In a heartwarming rescue, two alert traffic constables from Seawoods police station reunited a 67-year-old woman, missing for nearly two days, with her anxious family on Wednesday (October 8).
The woman, identified as Sheshabai Vyankatrao Gatte, a resident of Ashapura Society, Sector-5, Ulwe, had gone missing from near Tilak Public School, Nerul, on the evening of October 6. Her son, Gyaneshwar Gatte, registered a missing complaint with Nerul police station the next morning after she did not return home.
While patrolling the Palm Beach Road near TS Signal, Head Constable Kishor Koli and Police Constable Vijay Patil spotted an elderly woman walking aimlessly. They immediately recognised her from the photograph circulated by the Nerul police and confirmed her identity before contacting her son.
“She appeared disoriented but safe,” said Senior Police Inspector (Traffic) Mohini Lokhande, Seawoods police station. “Our constables regularly carry missing person photos during patrols. It’s their alertness and empathy that made this reunion possible.”
After meeting his mother, a relieved and emotional Gyaneshwar said, “My mother left home on October 6 at around 7.30 pm, saying she was going to Nerul. She never steps out in the evening, so I panicked when she didn’t return. I thank the traffic constables and the Nerul police for treating her like their own mother.”
When reunited, an emotional Sheshabai reportedly told officers in a trembling voice, “Mala rasta samjhala nahi… mi ulat ulat phirat hoti. Police bhau mala olakhla, khup changla vatla. [I lost my way… I kept wandering around. The police brothers recognised me — I felt very safe].” Lokhande added, “Her safety was our top priority, and we are happy she is back home with her family.”
