Odisha man believed to be dead, returns home after 36 years

In an emotional reunion, a man who had gone missing 36 years ago returned to his native village in Kendrapara district, bringing immense joy to his family and villagers.

Lambodar Dhal of Koranda village under Rajkanika police limits in the district came back home after more than three decades. He was accompanied by his wife.

“After finding a number from a video, I called my brothers and they brought us home joyfully. I am so happy to come here. All the family members and villagers are happy to see me. However, my parents are no more. I am sad that I could not see my parents,” said Lambodar Dhal.

“We are very much happy to return to our family. Had we come back earlier, it would have been better,” said Lambodar's wife Shila Dhal.

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According to reports, Lambodar had gone missing while studying in Class IX. Despite repeated efforts and extensive searches by his family at the time, no trace of him was found.

Recently, some villagers identified him through social media and managed to establish contact. It was later learnt that he had been living in Kolkata. After reconnecting with his family, Lambodar decided to return to his village along with his wife.

On his arrival, emotional scenes unfolded as he reunited with his brothers, sisters and other relatives. Villagers gathered at his house to welcome him, marking the occasion as a memorable moment for the entire community.

"A guy from our village identified Lambodar from social media and called after collecting his number from a source. I got emotional after talking with him. The family members were overjoyed for his return," said Golekh Chandra Dhal, Lambodar's nephew.

"We had never thought that Lambodar is alive. We could not find him despite desperate search. All the family members are overjoyed with his return," said Gurucharan Behera, a relative of Lambodar.