42 yrs on, viral video helps ex-cop reunite with family | Bhopal News
BHOPAL: A sharp, chest-up salute by an elderly man at an old-age home in Bhopal set in motion an extraordinary chain of events, leading to a reunion between a father and his son after 42 years. The salute caught the attention of DSP Santosh Patel, who shared a video that went viral, reconnecting the missing ex-policeman with his long-lost family.On July 15, 2023, DSP Patel, currently posted in Balaghat, was in Bhopal for training. It was his wife’s birthday. “We do not believe in cutting cakes,we prefer to utilise that money for social work,” Patel said. True to his words, His family visited an old age home. As Patel entered, an elderly man stood up and saluted him with military precision, saying “Jai Hind.” The man introduced himself as Puran Singh, aged around 85-90. Social worker Mohan Soni told Patel that Singh once served in the police force but following his wife’s death, took to alcohol and suffered mental health struggles, eventually disappearing without a trace.For nearly four decades, he worked on farmlands outside Bhopal until his employer’s son admitted him to the old-age home eight months ago. Despite fading memory, Singh recalled three things clearly – Betul, football, and that he was a sub-inspector.
