Former Kidnapping Victim Found After 31 Years Reunites with Long-Lost Family in Noida

Noida, Uttar Pradesh - In a heartwarming reunion, Bhim Singh, who was kidnapped at the age of nine and held captive for 31 years, has finally been reunited with his family in Noida. The emotional reconnection took place on Thursday afternoon, four days after Bhim's rescue by a Delhi-based businessman.

Bhim, whose real name is Bhim Singh, was abducted from Noida in September 1993 and held captive at an animal farm in Jaisalmer. During his traumatic experience, he was forced to work as a slave, was subjected to physical torture, and was denied access to basic necessities like food and water.

On Wednesday last week, Bhim was rescued by a businessman who noticed him tied to a tree at the farm and took him back to Delhi. Since his rescue, Bhim has been undergoing treatment and adjusting to life in the modern world. His family, including parents Leelawati and late Shikhar Singh, and younger sister Rajo, were initially unaware of Bhim's whereabouts.

To their surprise, when they met Bhim at the Khoda police station, he instantly recognised his mother and showed signs of excitement upon seeing her face. "He said, 'Meri ma aagayi' (my mother has come). It took a while to sink in, but it was my son who was standing in front of me," Leelawati revealed.

Bhim, now 40 years old, is still struggling to cope with the trauma he experienced during his captivity. He suffered a broken jawbone and fractured right hand as a result of abuse, which has left him with permanent physical deformities. His speech is also affected due to the prolonged lack of proper medical care.

The family said they had given up on ever seeing Bhim again, but continued to hold onto their hopes by tying a rakhi to a portrait of Bhim hung in their wall every year. Saleemuddin, a childhood friend who visited Bhim on Thursday, confirmed that his long-lost friend still remembers familiar places and people from his past.

Bhim's case is a chilling reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of law enforcement agencies coming together to find missing persons. The police have promised to investigate Bhim's abduction further and unravel the mystery surrounding his captivity for over three decades.

As Bhim adjusts to life with his family, he has expressed gratitude towards his rescuer who saved him from his ordeal. He also expressed surprise at the world's rapid changes which he first witnessed during his reunion ceremony on Thursday when he saw smartphones, cars, and even modern foods like gulab jamuns for the first time.

Bhim is currently receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation at a local hospital to help him cope with the physical and emotional trauma. His family has expressed gratitude towards the authorities and individuals who have helped bring their long-lost son home.