A 14-year-old boy Saurav Das from Barishal, who had been missing for four days, was found in Cox’s Bazar after police traced him with the help of Google Maps and swift coordination.
Police handed over Saurav Das to his family on Wednesday night after completing legal procedures.
Saurav, son of Sajal Das, is a resident of the Bhatikhana area under Kaunia Police Station in Barishal city.
Eidgaon Police Station Officer in Charge ATM Sifatul Majdar said police personnel on duty spotted a teenage boy wandering suspiciously near Eidgaon bus station at around 2am on Tuesday night.
He was taken to the police station for questioning. Although he identified himself as Saurav Das, he failed to provide his full address.
The OC said the boy gave some vague information about his locality. Police then began matching possible locations using Google Maps. At one stage, Saurav identified a departmental store shown on the map, which helped police trace his area and confirm his identity through the concerned police station.
Police later contacted Kaunia Police Station in Barishal and learned that a general diary had already been filed over Saurav’s disappearance.
Family members said Saurav had gone out to buy khichuri from a local market on 2 May but never returned home. After searching in different places without success, the family filed a general diary with Kaunia Police Station on 3 May.
Saurav’s maternal uncle Bijoy Ghosh said the entire family had been going through extreme anxiety since the boy went missing.
“We searched everywhere possible and contacted relatives, but found no trace of him. Every moment was filled with fear and uncertainty. Even after filing the GD, we were unsure whether we would ever get him back,” he said.
He said the family became emotional after receiving a phone call from Eidgaon Police Station informing them that Saurav had been rescued.
“Today, with the help of technology and the sincere efforts of police, Saurav has returned to us. We are grateful to the police for their support,” he added.
Police said effective use of technology and quick coordination helped ensure the teenager’s safe return to his family.
