Missing for 28 years, presumed dead; SIR brings man home in West Bengal- Here’s what happened News24 –

In a remarkable turn of events in Bagdah village of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, a decades-old family tragedy has come to a surprising end.  Jagbandu Mandal (55), who went missing 28 years ago and was presumed dead, has returned home, reuniting with his wife Supriya and their family. What makes this reunion even more special is that Supriya had performed his last rites and lived as a widow all these years. But the story doesn’t end here, as Mandal’s return has connection with the ongoing Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process across 12 states and union territories.

Here’s what happened

Mandal’s family had considered him dead since 1997, when he left home in February of that year and never returned. When all efforts to find him failed, an astrologer confirmed his death, Supriya performed her husband’s last rites and accepted the life of a widow. But on Monday, November 17, 2025, there was a sudden knock on the door. When Supriya opened the door, the same face appeared with the familiar voice. His father, Bijay Mandal, recognised his son.

Why did Jagbandu return?

As he reunited with his family, Jagbandu narrated his story and explained why he had returned home now. He said that he had lost his job in Chhattisgarh. However, the real reason was different: his name had long been removed from the Bagdah voter list. To retain his name on the SIR, he needed his original voter ID and land documents, TOI reported.

As his name is still on the Bankura voter list, so he decided to return. However, the mention of “Sulekha Mandal” next to his name on the Bankura list has sparked whispers in the village. Sulekha’s husband also appears to be Jagbandu Mandal, leading to suspicions of a second marriage. Jagbandu, however, flatly denied any remarriage. He stated that he had travelled to Gujarat, lived in Mumbai, briefly stayed in Bankura, and finally settled in Chhattisgarh, but never remarried.

What happens next?

Local booth committee member Sameer Guha clarified that Jagbandu’s name has not appeared on the SIR list since 2002, only his father’s name is listed. After returning, he is now trying to get his name added using original documents. The Booth Level Officer (BLO) noted that there is no official proof of his name having been deleted for the 28 years. Verifying the claim and reinstating the name, therefore, will not be easy, he added. The same voter list that brought him home after 28 years will now decide whether Jagbandu Mandal is officially recognised as alive.