Missing for 37 Years, Man Reunites with Family in Bengal Thanks to Voter List Update Drive

Published on: 23 Nov 2025 at 01:27 PM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Missing for 37 Years, Man Reunites with Family in Bengal Thanks to Voter List Update Drive

A heartwarming incident took place in West Bengal’s Purulia district during the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list, where a government campaign unexpectedly reunited a family that had been separated for nearly four decades.

In 1988, the Chakraborty family lost contact with their eldest son, Vivek Chakraborty, after he left home and went missing. Despite years of searching, the family found no clue to his whereabouts and eventually lost hope of ever reuniting.

Decades later, fate intervened through Vivek’s younger brother, Pradeep Chakraborty, who now works as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in the same area. During the SIR campaign, Pradeep’s name and mobile number were printed on every voters’ list form. Vivek’s son, who lives in Kolkata and had no knowledge of his paternal uncle, happened to call Pradeep for help with some documentation.

Their conversation began with procedural discussions but soon revealed personal details that only family members could know. Pradeep realized that he was speaking to his long-lost nephew. Further exchanges confirmed the unbelievable truth — Vivek was alive and living away from the family all these years.

“I last saw my elder brother in 1988,” said Pradeep emotionally. “When this young man’s answers matched things only our family would know, I realized I was talking to my brother’s son.”

Soon after, the brothers finally spoke to each other. Overwhelmed with emotion, Vivek said, “Words can’t express this feeling. After 37 long years, I’m finally returning home. I’ve spoken to everyone in the family, and I’m filled with joy. I sincerely thank the Election Commission, because without the SIR process, this reunion would never have been possible.”

The voter list correction campaign not only ensured accuracy in electoral rolls but also accomplished something far greater — it brought a broken family back together after 37 years.