Pradeep Singh

Sundergarh: A teary-eyed Umar Koya couldn’t believe and take eyes off his family members when he met them after eight years.

Koya, reportedly mentally retarded, went missing from Calicut, Kerala in 2012. Since then, he had been staying near Sundergarh Collector office and was surviving whatever he was offered by locals and passersby.

Things changed for Koya after a social activist, Siju Thomas met him a few months ago. With the help of an NGO, Thomas got Koya admitted to a hospital and took care of him.

“He was not mentally stable and used to roam in the town. No one was also able to understand his language. After treatment, he is now able to recognize his brothers,” said Thomas.

Koya was given proper treatment after being rescued. Later after counseling, it was found that he is a resident of Kerala, said chairman of Ashadeep NGO, Rama Chandra Behera.

Brothers of Koya, who had lost the hope of getting their sibling back, were elated after meeting him.

“We searched for him but couldn’t find his whereabouts. I got a message from Siju Thomas about my brother. We are happy to find him and thankful to all those who helped us in getting him back,” said Samsuddin, brother of Koya.

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