Chencho Dema

PUNAKHA – A sense of worry and concern grips the residents of Chimipang, Barp Gewog, as a 12-year-old pupil has mysteriously vanished without a trace.

The boy’s whereabouts have been a mystery since the early hours of July 30, leaving his family and the community in distress.

Sources reveal that the boy’s mother made the alarming discovery of his absence when she woke up that morning.

A student in Class IV at a school in Lobesa, the boy’s family initiated an exhaustive search throughout the night, but their efforts proved futile.

The matter was swiftly reported to the police, who have since joined in the search for the missing child.

As speculations and rumors circulate among the villagers, Mangmi of Barp Gewog, Cheychey, provides insights into potential reasons behind the boy’s disappearance.

Some suggest that academic struggles may have contributed to his vanishing act. Allegedly, the boy failed his exams last year and continued to struggle academically, with his midterm results being unsatisfactory.

The pressure and potential reprimands from his mother following these academic setbacks may have played a role in his sudden disappearance.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the boy’s parents recently underwent a divorce, leading many in the community to speculate that this upheaval may have significantly impacted his psychological well-being.

Reports suggest that the boy had begun to isolate himself from his friends and appeared despondent following the divorce.

In their efforts to find the missing boy, the community has thoroughly scoured every nook and cranny of the area, yet the boy remains elusive.

Mangmi Cheychey believes that the boy may have ventured into the nearby river, given its proximity, but acknowledges that all possibilities are open for consideration. However, he notes that there are no nearby forests where the boy might have sought refuge.

As the search continues, the community remains steadfast in their determination to find the missing pupil and bring him back safely. Despite facing uncertainty and anxiety, the resilience of the locals shines through as they refuse to give up hope.

In a striking coincidence, a 17-year-old girl from the same hamlet was also reported missing during the same time. Thankfully, the girl has been located and is believed to be in Thimphu, although she insists that the boy is not with her. The girl had been residing with one of her aunties while studying in one of the schools in Punakha.

As the sun sets and rises again, the search for the missing 12-year-old boy continues unabated, with the community holding onto the hope that he will be found safe and sound.

In the face of adversity, this close-knit community stands united, clinging to the belief that they will soon be reunited with the missing child.