A 35-year-old rubber tapper from South Tripura district has been missing for the past 10 days, triggering concern among residents and prompting his elderly mother to appeal directly to Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha for urgent intervention to trace her son.
The missing man, Pradip Debnath, is a resident of Saha Para under Ward No. 2 of Magurchhara gram panchayat in the Satchand RD Block of Sabroom subdivision. Debnath, the only son of late Haradhan Debnath, lived with his wife and college-going son. He earned his livelihood by collecting latex from rubber plantations owned by others, according to family members.
As per the family, Debnath left home around 6 am on January 17, following his usual routine to collect rubber latex. However, he did not return home that day. After searching for him at relatives’ houses and nearby areas for two days, the family lodged a missing diary at Manubazar police station on January 19.
Police officials confirmed that a missing person report has been registered and efforts are underway to trace Debnath. “We are examining all available leads and conducting searches. The family has also been requested to share any information that could assist the investigation,” a police official said.
The case took a troubling turn when the family allegedly received a phone call from an unknown number a few days later. The caller, reportedly claiming to be from Assam, demanded ransom in exchange for arranging Debnath’s return home by train. According to Debnath’s mother, Bhanumati Debnath, the family transferred money online, after which the phone number was switched off.
Police said they are verifying this information and examining call records. Cyber units have been engaged, and coordination with neighbouring states is underway to track the suspected caller and ascertain Debnath’s whereabouts.
Speaking to reporters, a distraught Bhanumati Debnath made an emotional appeal to the Chief Minister to ensure the safe return of her son. Further investigation is ongoing.
