Uttar Pradesh: A man who had been missing from his hometown for nearly 27 years surprised his family after returning briefly to Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar district late last month. The visit marked the first contact in decades between the 79-year-old and his relatives, who had long believed he was no longer alive.
Missing Since 1997
Sharif Ahmad left Khatauli in 1997 and moved to West Bengal after remarrying following the death of his first wife. Over the years, all communication with his family stopped. Despite repeated attempts to trace him, including visits to West Bengal based on addresses shared earlier, the family failed to locate him.
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His nephew, Waseem Ahmad, said the prolonged silence led the family to assume the worst. Sharif’s four daughters and other relatives eventually believed he had passed away.
Reason For Sudden Return
Sharif returned to his native town on December 29 to collect documents required for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, where he has been living for several years. The documentation process required him to reconnect with his place of origin, prompting the unexpected visit.
During his short stay, Sharif learned that several close family members, including his father and brother, had died during his absence.
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Emotional Reunion
Family members described the reunion as deeply emotional. Waseem said seeing Sharif after almost three decades was overwhelming for everyone, especially for relatives who had lost hope of ever meeting him again.
Despite the emotional moment, the visit was brief. Sharif completed the necessary paperwork and soon returned to Medinipur, where he currently lives with his family.
Life Moves On
Sharif said his return was driven purely by official requirements linked to the electoral revision exercise. After finishing the formalities, he resumed his life in West Bengal.