But for Murshidabad police 32-year Mohammad Jafar could have spent the rest of his life as a vagabond without any idea who he was or where he came from. But officers of Bhagabangola police station of Bengal’s Murshidabad district, who spend most of their time tackling crime, got the mentally challenged youth admitted in a hospital, got him treated and reunited him with his family members who live in a Uttar Pradesh village.
On Friday, a year and a half after he was found near the police station, about 800 km away from his home, Jafar was handed over to his family members.
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On July 8, 2016, policemen found him loitering on the roads near the police station. He could not even tell the police his name and address. The cops realised he did not have a sound mind.
“We produced Jafar before a Lalbagh court under the Mental Healthcare Act and submitted a prayer before the judge to give direction for Jafar’s treatment at Berhampore mental hospital,” said Utpal Das, the officer-in-charge of Bhagabangola police station.
Jafar responded to the treatment. Over the past few months, the improvement was noticeable. Eventually he could recall his name and address.
{{/usCountry}}Jafar responded to the treatment. Over the past few months, the improvement was noticeable. Eventually he could recall his name and address.
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“We were in continuous touch with the hospital authority. Recently we were told that he is a resident of Sai Bujurg village of Sant Kabirnagar district of Uttar Pradesh,” said Das.
Police also came to know that he has a wife and daughter in his village.
Jafar’s mother, Tajrunnesha Bibi said her son did not have any problem in his early years, but developed it a few years ago.
“The problem turned so serious that we had to tie him up with a rope. But one day he managed to cut the rope and escape,” said Jafar’s mother.
“We searched my son in everywhere. Suddenly about a fortnight ago officers of our local police station arrived at our house and said my son is undergoing treatment in a hospital of Murshidabad. He might have boarded a train from UP and reached Bengal,” she said.
Das sent his relatives to the hospital to identify Jafar. The youth, too, identified his relatives.
The police immediately submitted a prayer before the additional chief judicial magistrate to allow Jafar to return to his family. The order came on Friday and Jafar started on his journey home.
“I have a different impression of policemen now. I will never forget this district and its officers,” said Tajrunnesha before leaving Murshidabad.