Kottarakkara: In a strange affair, several elderly people have been reported missing from the Kollam police rural district since 2009.
Among them is Thankachan of Jiji Cottage, Blakonam, Panaveli, who is untraceable for the last eight years. When he went missing, Thankachan was aged 66. His relatives had searched several spots, including religious places in other states and towns where Keralites live in large numbers. A complaint was registered with the police, who also carried out their own investigation. But, everything was in vain.
According to official figures, 16 persons above the age of 50 years are missing from the rural district since 2009. The list includes names like Mohanan, Gopi, Narayana Pillai, Mosa, Lal and others. According to the police, the cases registered over their disappearance are still being probed.
The police promptly trace couples who elope within days of receiving complaints and produce them before the court. Statistics say that at least one case is registered in this regard every day. However, elderly people are never located.
Narayana Pillai, a native of Kunnathur, had told relatives that he was travelling to Achenkovil before disappearing. Pillai is yet to be traced even after nine months. His mobile phone was found to have been switched off at Thenmala. Relatives are still searching for him at all major towns in South India.
Others who went missing before 2009 include Yohannan Kutty, Podiyan, Bhaskaran and Anandan belonging to Ummannur.
It is learnt that most of the senior citizens left home over minor issues. Their relatives and local people believe all of them are still living in some corner.
