West Bengal’s promising teen rifle shooter Damayanti Sen, who had been missing for nearly 40 hours, was found safe early on Saturday (July 18), bringing relief to her family and the sporting fraternity in the state.
The 15-year-old, who recently got an opportunity to appear in the national team trials, was traced by Howrah District Police at the district’s Ramkrishnapur Ghat, following an extensive search that began when she failed to return home on Thursday (July 16) morning.
Damayanti found balancing studies with shooting difficult?
Police said she would be produced before a Howrah court as part of the legal procedure before being reunited with her family.
Also read: Howrah teen rifle shooter missing; police launch extensive search
Investigators said their preliminary inquiry suggests Damayanti left home following differences with her family over her studies.
During questioning, she reportedly told police that she had been struggling to cope with the demands of academics while pursuing competitive shooting, leaving her under significant mental pressure.
Officials said her statement is being verified and the investigation is continuing.
According to police, Damayanti travelled through several places over the past two days before returning to Howrah. She had left her mobile phone at home, making it difficult for investigators to track her movements. CCTV footage had earlier shown her entering Howrah Railway Station alone shortly after leaving home.
Howrah Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Tausif Ali said the initial findings point to academic-related disagreements at home as the likely reason behind her departure, though all aspects of the case are still being examined.
Damayanti’s Olympian coach confirms she has been found
Damayanti trains at Olympian Joydeep Karmakar’s rifle shooting academy. She follows an intensive training schedule, with practice sessions beginning early every morning.
Karmakar confirmed on social media that his trainee had been found safe.
Police said they also acted on information received through social media suggesting she had been seen in Chandannagar, Hooghly, prompting coordination with the local police before she was eventually traced in Howrah.
Family relieved, thanks police, govt, friends
Her father, Dhruvajyoti Sen, said the family was relieved to have her back safely. He said balancing studies with competitive sport may have become overwhelming for his daughter. Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan personally met the Sen family during the teen sportsperson’s disappearance.
Also read: Indian shooting coach Jaspal Rana dies at 49
In a social media post, Damayanti’s mother, Moumita Roy Sen, thanked the police, the state government, relatives, friends and hundreds of people who shared information and offered support during the search.
In a Facebook post, she said the family would remain grateful for the prayers, concern and assistance of the well-wishers that helped bring their daughter home safely.
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