Odisha woman reunites with family after 35 years

Pramila Mallick, a 70-year-old woman from the Kendrapara district of Odisha, has been reunited with her family after being missing for approximately 35 years. Her identity was established through an Odia script tattoo on her hand, which helped authorities in Himachal Pradesh trace her origins.

Mallick had been living in Himachal Pradesh under the name Ramkali Malik. Her history included stays at a mental healthcare facility in Shimla from 2011 to 2018, followed by time at Nari Niketan and an old-age home in Bhangrotu.

The reunion was facilitated by a coordinated effort between the Odisha Police, Himachal Pradesh authorities, and the organization India Cares. A special police team traveled to Himachal Pradesh to complete formalities and escort her back to her native village. While she has reunited with her 37-year-old son, Dhruva Charan Mallik, she was unable to meet her husband, Dinabandhu, who passed away approximately six months ago.