After 14 years of despair, a mother in Lathikata was finally reunited with her missing son Purushottam Gouda, who police rescued from Jammu and brought back to Rourkela.
Purushottam disappeared nearly 15 years ago, leaving his elderly mother in grief and uncertainty. The family lost hope of hearing from him again. In a dramatic turn, Purushottam recently called home and revealed that traffickers abducted him years ago. They first took him to Punjab and later shifted him to Samba in Jammu, where he endured threats and forced labour.
He explained that constant intimidation prevented him from contacting his family. Only recently did he manage to reach out and share his ordeal. His mother and villagers immediately approached local MLA Durga Tanti, who raised the matter with authorities.
Police teams coordinated efforts and traced Purushottam in Jammu. They rescued him and ensured his safe return to Rourkela on Tuesday. The reunion with his mother and family members turned deeply emotional, ending years of suffering.
The case highlights the harsh realities of human trafficking and forced labour. It also demonstrates the importance of timely intervention by public representatives and law enforcement agencies. Authorities are expected to investigate the trafficking network involved in Purushottam’s abduction.
The Lathikata community welcomed him back with relief and joy, while his mother’s tears finally turned into comfort after years of waiting.
