In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a 29-year-old mentally challenged youth from Assam’s Dhubri district has gone missing from Katihar Railway Station in Bihar. The disappearance of Anowar Hussain, son of Fulchan Ali from Birshing Gaon Panchayat under Fakirganj Police Station, has left his family in deep distress. This triggered a search operation spanning two states.
Disappearance Shocks Family and Community
According to family members, Anowar was last seen at Katihar Railway Station on May 28, 2025. He had accompanied a relative on a journey but got separated amid the crowd and chaos. Despite desperate efforts to locate him at the station and nearby areas. There has been no trace of him since.
Speaking to reporters, Anowar’s elder brother, Sahabuddin, said, “My brother is mentally unwell and cannot communicate properly. We are extremely worried for his safety. We request anyone who may have seen him to contact us or the nearest police station immediately.”
Police and Railway Authorities Notified
The family lodged a missing person complaint with Katihar Railway Police as well as at the Fakirganj Police Station. Authorities in both Assam and Bihar have been alerted. And photographs of the missing youth have been circulated across railway networks and local stations.
The Assam Police has also activated coordination channels with Bihar Police to trace Anowar. Senior officials have assured the family that all efforts are being made to locate the missing Dhubri youth. Especially considering his medical condition.
Social Media Campaign Launched
In a bid to amplify the search, the family has launched a campaign on social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. With the help of well-wishers and local volunteers, Anowar’s image and details have been widely shared, urging citizens to come forward with any helpful information.
Local NGOs and mental health advocacy groups have joined the effort, urging railway authorities to improve support services for individuals with disabilities, particularly at busy transit points like Katihar, a major railway junction connecting North East India to Bihar and West Bengal.
A Grim Reminder of Systemic Gaps
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the Indian transport system. Experts point out that railway stations remain inadequately equipped to assist passengers with mental or physical challenges. Especially when unaccompanied or during travel disruptions.
An official from Assam State Legal Services Authority (internal link) noted, “We must develop better protocols to support people with disabilities during public travel. Anowar’s disappearance is a wake-up call.”
Appeals to the Public
Anowar Hussain is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, has short black hair, and was last seen wearing a light green shirt and dark trousers. He does not respond coherently to questions and may appear lost or disoriented.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Katihar GRP or Fakirganj Police Station, or dial the 24/7 missing persons helpline. Immediate public cooperation can help reunite Anowar with his family.
Government Urged to Act
Several local leaders and activists in Assam have called upon the state government to set up a centralized database for missing persons and deploy trained personnel at major railway stations to assist travelers in distress.
MLA of Dhubri, Wazid Ali Choudhury, said, “This case must not be another statistic. We demand urgent and continuous tracking efforts. The safety of our people, especially the mentally challenged, must be a priority.”
As search operations intensify, the family of Anowar Hussain clings to hope that their loved one will be found and brought home safely. His disappearance serves as a critical reminder for both authorities and citizens to stay vigilant. And ensure inclusive safety across public infrastructure.
Call to Action:
If you’ve seen Anowar Hussain or have any leads, contact the nearest police station. Or the national helpline at 1098. Let’s join hands to bring him home.