Sri Vijaya Puram, July 18: A 20-year-old Andaman College student who was reported missing after leaving her hostel earlier this week has reportedly been traced in Kerala, even as Aberdeen Police continue their investigation to verify the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and determine whether any offence has been committed.
Burada Manasa, a third-year student of Andaman College and a resident of Neil Kendra, Modi Colony in Shaheed Dweep, was reported missing after she left the DBRAIT Girls’ Hostel at Dollygunj on July 13 and failed to return. The incident prompted her family to lodge a missing person complaint with Aberdeen Police on July 15 after repeated attempts to contact her proved unsuccessful.
According to information provided by her mother, Burada Bharti, Manasa had signed the hostel register before leaving for college on the morning of July 13. Later that day, when her mother attempted to contact her between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., as was their daily routine, her mobile phone was found switched off.
Concerned over the lack of communication, Bharti contacted one of her daughter’s hostel mates, who informed her that Manasa had left early for college. At around 6:00 p.m., the hostel warden also informed the family that Manasa had signed the hostel register before leaving for college but had not returned to the hostel.
The family subsequently searched for her at a relative’s residence in Dairy Farm, where she was known to visit, but she was not found. Her mobile phone reportedly remained switched off thereafter.
Following the unsuccessful search, the family approached the police and lodged a missing person complaint on July 15. Bharti had expressed suspicion that someone might have lured her daughter away and urged authorities to trace her at the earliest.
However, according to information received from sources, Manasa is believed to have left on her own and has reportedly been traced in Kerala. Sources further indicated that, as she is an adult, she cannot be compelled to return against her wishes if it is established that she left voluntarily and that no criminal offence has been committed.
Police are continuing to verify the facts surrounding the case, including the circumstances under which she travelled to Kerala. Officials have not yet concluded the investigation, and the findings will determine whether any further legal action is required.
Aberdeen Police stated that the investigation remains in progress and all aspects of the case are being examined before arriving at any final conclusion.
