Bengaluru: Sakamma, a 50-year-old woman from Dana-nayakan-kere, Hosapete in Ballari district (Vijayanagar), who had been missing for 23 years, was reunited with her family, thanks to a coordinated operation by the Social Welfare Department. The reunion was facilitated after social media user Vijaykumar G. tagged the Karnataka Chief Secretary, Major Manivannan P., on platform X (formerly Twitter), seeking help in bringing her back. Minister for Social Welfare, Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, commended the department and honored the team responsible for this remarkable accomplishment.

During a press conference at his official residence near Shivananda Circle in Bengaluru, the Minister handed over Sakamma to her family and lauded the effective use of social media in resolving such cases. He compared the event to the emotional plot of Salman Khan's movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan and celebrated the team's efforts in reuniting Sakamma with her family after such a long time.

Sakamma, who had left her family 23 years ago, was discovered in a destitute state in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Two years ago, social worker Vijaykumar G. learned of her situation through Karnataka-origin IPS officer Ravinandan, currently posted in Uttarakhand. Acting on this information, Vijaykumar reached out to Major Manivannan P. through social media on December 19, 2024, seeking intervention. The Chief Secretary promptly directed the Social Welfare Department’s helpline to take action, ensuring Sakamma's safe return to Karnataka.

Minister Mahadevappa detailed the steps taken to bring Sakamma back. Upon learning of her situation, an official team, including female officers, was dispatched via flight to ensure her safe repatriation. The operation involved coordination between the Social Welfare Department, Ballari district administration, and officials in Mandi. Senior officials such as Nagesh, Secretary of the Central Relief Committee, Mallikarjun, Deputy Director of Social Welfare in Ballari, and Manjunath, Deputy Director of Vijayanagar District, played key roles in the operation.

The rescue team, comprising Basavaraj, Senior Superintendent of Hagaribommanahalli’s Social Welfare Department, Bharati, Warden of Ballari District’s Post-Metric Girls Hostel, and others, reached Chandigarh on December 21. They then traveled to Mandi and located Sakamma at a senior citizens’ home, Bal Vikas Kalyan Sabha. After verifying her health and identity, the team arranged a video call between Sakamma and her family. It was confirmed that she had three children who were eager to welcome her back.

The handover process was completed with the assistance of local magistrates Smritika Negi and Dharam Sheela. Sakamma and the team departed from Chandigarh on December 24 and reached Bengaluru the same evening via Devanahalli Airport. She was officially handed over to her family on December 25 in a heartwarming ceremony.

Social Welfare Department Secretary Randeep D., along with other officials and staff, were present at the press conference, where the Minister praised their dedication and teamwork in accomplishing this extraordinary mission.