Panskura, 28 July (H.S.): A migrant worker from Dehati village under Panskura police station in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district has gone missing under mysterious circumstances while returning home from Rajasthan. Following a complaint lodged by his family, the Howrah Government Railway Police (GRP) and Panskura GRP have registered a case and launched an investigation. Police are also examining CCTV footage, but no trace of the missing man had been found till Tuesday morning.

According to family members, Santu Mondal had travelled to Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on July 16, the day of Rath Yatra, in search of work. After spending a few days there, he decided to return home. His family said that at 11:55 pm on July 23, he called his cousin after boarding the Jodhpur–Howrah Express, informing him that he was on his way home.

The next morning, at around 10 am, Santu reportedly called again and said that two men were following him. A short while later, he made another call claiming that his train ticket had been snatched and requested ₹500 urgently. His family immediately transferred the amount through PhonePe. However, soon after receiving the money, his mobile phone was switched off, and all contact with him was lost.

The family first approached Panskura Police Station, where they were advised to contact the Howrah GRP. Written complaints were subsequently lodged with both the Howrah GRP and the Panskura GRP.

Police have begun searching for Santu Mondal and are scanning CCTV footage from railway stations along the route. However, no breakthrough has been made so far.

Meanwhile, Santu's widowed mother, devastated by the disappearance of her only son, has appealed to the administration to trace him at the earliest and ensure his safe return home.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey