MAHBUBNAGAR – A missing man who was presumed dead has been found alive after 18 years. K Krishnaiah alias Gunna returned home to the astonishment of his family at Veldhanda town on Wednesday.
A large number of people thronged Pullaiah Gunna’s late father’s residence on Wednesday as the news of his return spread. It was in 1997 when Gunna, then 22, left home and did not return.
Chandramma, his overjoyed mother, told TOI that her son was mentally unsound. After looking for him for two years, she and her family gave up hope.
A complaint was lodged by her at the Veldhanda police station about her missing son, but to no avail. Finally, after a 10-year wait, the Veldhanda tehsildar even issued a death certificate in his name.
There is no clarity on what Gunna did all these years, how he survived and where he had been. According to Vasanth and Sidhu, who work for Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation, Gunna was found wandering at a bus stand in Maharashtra three months ago by some of the volunteers.
“He was found in pain. Initial checks showed that he was mentally unsound. With the help of the Foundation members, we shifted him to Mumbai and took care of him. We also ensured he received psychiatric treatment and counselling for 45 days. Now, he is much better,” Vasanth said.
It took another 10 days for his caretakers to establish his identity.
“Following this, we visited Veldhanda to find his house. Only after we were sure of the information we had did we bring him here,” Sidhu said, after reuniting the son with his mother. His father passed away five years ago.
Still in disbelief about her son’s return, Chandramma said she was very happy to see him back. “Not only is he healthy but also behaving normally. I cannot tell you how happy I am,” she said.
