Guwahati, Assam: The perplexing disappearance of Dr. Debanjib Sharma, a 45-year-old dentist from Assam, has now stretched into its third week, with authorities in Arunachal Pradesh seemingly no closer to unravelling the mystery. Dr. Sharma vanished during a solo motorcycle trip, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and an 82-year-old mother steadfast in her refusal to abandon hope.
Pranati Sharma, a retired lawyer and Dr. Sharma’s mother, remains resolute from her home in Assam. “I believe my son will return. In the absence of any proof that something tragic has happened, I choose to believe in a positive outcome — even miracles,” she stated, her voice tinged with both sorrow and unwavering conviction.
Mrs. Sharma has become increasingly vocal regarding what she perceives as crucial gaps in the police investigation. She has openly challenged the quick return of her son’s belongings and vehemently disputes the drowning theory floated by the authorities. “Just two days after his disappearance, they returned his belongings — phone, wallet, helmet, everything. It felt rushed, as if they had already closed the chapter. But my son is not a file to be wrapped up and forgotten,” she lamented, expressing her deep dissatisfaction with the speed and conclusions of the initial probe.
Dr. Sharma was last seen on May 31 at Tulow Resort near Parashuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh. He had ordered tea and breakfast that morning. Adding to the intrigue, resort staff claimed a power outage had disabled their CCTV system, and they reportedly failed to produce a proper guest register, further obscuring the last known moments of Dr. Sharma at the resort.
Police recovered all of Dr. Sharma’s personal items, including his motorcycle helmet, protective gear, phone, wallet, and professional camera, from his hotel room. An FIR was promptly filed at the Wakro Police Station, but investigators have yet to disclose any significant breakthroughs or progress in the ongoing search.
The retired lawyer strongly refutes the possibility of drowning, a narrative that has seemingly gained traction among authorities. “I know my son. He would never go near water if there was even a 1% risk — especially if someone had warned him. He’s not a child who can’t assess danger,” she explained, highlighting her son’s cautious nature. She further points to the fact that his safety equipment, including his helmet and protective gear, was found in his hotel room, corroborating his usual meticulous approach to safety. “Yes, he was a biker — but an extremely safety-conscious one. That alone gives ample proof of his cautious nature.”
Pranati Sharma is now demanding the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the case, stressing the need for a more comprehensive and thorough inquiry. “No CCTV footage, no eyewitness, no recovered body — yet they keep repeating ‘drowning’ as if that ends the case. How can this be considered a complete investigation?” she questioned, emphasizing the deficiencies in the current investigation.
The profound emotional toll of the waiting period is evident as Mrs. Sharma reminisces about their last interaction. “Before he left, he touched my feet as always. I never imagined it would be such a long wait.”
Also read: Assam: Rampaging Jumbo Wreaks Havoc at Samaguri School