Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 6: In an extraordinary turn of events, Asma, who had been missing for over five years, was reunited with her family thanks to the persistent efforts of White Doves, NGO in Maroli.
The story began on June 9, 2019, when Asma, around 42 years old at the time, was discovered by Corrine Rasquinha late at night on the deserted Kavoor Road. Clad in a white cloth covering her head and upper body, Asma appeared disoriented and vulnerable. Concerned for her safety, Rasquinha brought Asma to White Doves, where she was provided with shelter and care.
Upon inquiry, Asma recounted that her husband had left her at a railway station in Mumbai, instructing her to wait for him. When he did not return, she possibly boarded a train, eventually finding herself in an unfamiliar location. Her appearance suggested that she had been wandering for days, as her tanned skin had turned dark due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
Despite providing details about her husband’s family in Mumbra, Thane, Mumbai, initial attempts to contact them through the local police station proved unsuccessful. White Doves’ manager, Jerald Fernandes, made repeated efforts to trace Asma’s family but was met with disappointment each time.
According to her brother, Arafat Bawasaheb, Asma, who had six children, frequently travelled between her home and her mother's residence. In May 2019, she embarked on a journey back home but never arrived. The family, preoccupied with relocating due to house repairs, delayed contacting her husband, who was unaware that she had left. It took four days before both families realized she was missing, sparking a widespread search and the filing of a missing person complaint with the police. Despite following up, the investigation yielded no significant leads. The onset of the COVID-19 lockdown further dampened hopes, as movement was restricted, and Asma's whereabouts remained a mystery.
On November 1, 2024, Fernandes reached out to the same police station once more, hoping for a breakthrough. To his relief, the current PSI was cooperative. After sharing Asma’s details, the officer promised to investigate and, within 45 minutes, reported back with positive news, the family had been located, backed by Aadhaar verification of Asma's sister and brother.
The news brought immense joy to Arafat, who immediately prepared to travel to Mangaluru to reunite with his long-lost sister. This heart-warming reunion stands as a testament to perseverance, compassion, and the tireless efforts of White Doves dedicated to helping others.