Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Mar 13: Diganth, son of Padmanabha from Kidebettu near Farangipete, has finally returned home with his mother after 16 days, bringing a happy conclusion to a case that had gained statewide attention.
Diganth had gone missing from the Farangipete railway tracks on the night of February 25. After collecting his PUC exam admission card from his college, he had reportedly gone to a temple in the evening and disappeared from there.
His mysterious disappearance had sparked confusion and led to various rumors. Protests were also held demanding his safe return. The case became a major challenge for the Dakshina Kannada police, as no clues emerged after his disappearance. Despite this, SP Yathish N ensured a thorough investigation, creating a conducive atmosphere to trace the missing boy.
At the location where Diganth went missing, his slippers and mobile phone were found, further adding to the mystery. The presence of bloodstains on his slippers raised additional concerns.
As the urgency to find Diganth grew, his disappearance was also discussed in the legislative assembly. His father had filed a habeas corpus petition in the High Court, putting additional pressure on the police.
Despite extensive efforts, no leads emerged even after 11 days. Police teams worked in multiple districts and eventually launched a combing operation within a five-kilometer radius of the site where he had gone missing. However, as the operation was underway, Diganth was mysteriously found at D-Mart in Udupi. While this discovery brought partial relief, it also fueled fresh speculations about the case.
The police subsequently submitted a report on Diganth's recovery to the High Court. Since he was a minor, the court directed that he be presented before the Child Welfare Committee in Mangaluru, which would decide the further course of action. The committee later permitted him to return home, following which he was reunited with his mother.
Initially, there were reports that Diganth was unwilling to return home. However, with all uncertainties now resolved, police sources confirmed that he has finally rejoined his family, marking a happy ending to the case.