NEW DELHI: A mentally challenged 8-year-old lad, who had vanished for almost two years, was brought back to his family on his birthday, according to an official's statement on Wednesday.

The youngster disappeared from his residence on the night of February 15, 2023. His mother filed a report at the NIA police station on February 17.
"The entire staff of the NIA police station pursued the case with unwavering determination," stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north) Nidhin Valsan.
"Extensive searches were conducted in nearby areas, bus terminals, railway stations, hospitals, and shelter homes. Despite these efforts, no clue of the child's whereabouts could be established at the time," said the DCP.
A significant development occurred on December 3 when authorities located the child at Gharonda Specialised Adoption Agency in Govind Puram, Ghaziabad.
Following completion of necessary legal procedures, the parents identified their son and took him home.
According to police, the reunion happened on December 3, which was also the child's birthday, making it an especially meaningful occasion.