CM Naidu's Swift Action Ends Six-Year Separation for Andhra Woman
In a heartwarming conclusion to a prolonged saga, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu personally intervened to facilitate the emotional reunion of a 43-year-old woman with her family at the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Nagpur. The woman, identified as Devkka (name changed), had been separated from her loved ones for nearly six years following the onset of a psychiatric illness.
A Journey Marked by Struggle and Determination
Devkka, originally from a village in Andhra Pradesh, developed her psychiatric condition shortly after her marriage in 2017. By 2020, her health had deteriorated significantly, leading her to leave her in-laws' home. Her family conducted an exhaustive search but eventually lost hope. In February 2022, Maharashtra police discovered Devkka in a severely distressed state in Chandrapur district, and she was subsequently admitted to RMH Nagpur under court orders.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Devkka exhibited aggressive behavior, severe hearing impairment, and fragmented speech, making it impossible for her to recall her name or origins. Under the dedicated care of psychiatrist Dr. Pankaj Bagde, medical superintendent Dr. Satish Humne, and social service superintendent Kunda Katekhaye Bidkar, her condition gradually improved through consistent treatment and counseling.
Painstaking Efforts to Uncover Clues
For almost four years, Bidkar meticulously gathered fragments of information from Devkka through gestures and broken conversations in Telugu. A crucial recurring detail emerged: Devkka's brother was a cane basket maker. This clue became the cornerstone of Bidkar's relentless efforts, which included:
- Contacting multiple police stations across Telangana, including Hyderabad, Bowenpally, Govindpally, Bollapalle, Karampudi, and Malkajgiri.
- Reaching out to village sarpanches, secretaries, and NGOs such as Shri Annam Seva Foundation and Marpu Foundation Telangana.
- Arranging video calls and extending searches to Guntur and Nandyal districts by November 2024.
Progress faced a setback in June 2025 when the Kadapa superintendent of police, who had offered assistance, was transferred. However, the breakthrough finally arrived in September 2025 when Bidkar sent an email to Chief Minister Naidu's office seeking help.
Chief Minister's Direct Intervention
The email captured Naidu's attention during his visit to Prakasam and Markapuram districts last month. The Chief Minister personally reviewed the case, raised it during his visit, and issued immediate orders for swift action. On February 21, Bidkar received inquiries from the Prakasam district collector's office, where she shared key details, including Devkka's probable links to a village in Prakasam.
Joint collector Kalpana Kumari assured full cooperation, and within two days, tehsildar M Anjaneya Reddy successfully located Devkka's brother in a remote hamlet using the cane basket-making clue. Tehsil records provided the necessary official identity documentation to enable the reunion.
Emotional Reunion and Future Plans
A team from Prakasam, including D Neelima Vansilatha (child magistrate and child welfare committee member), legal officer Ratna Prasad, along with Devkka's brother and brother-in-law, traveled to Nagpur. The heartfelt reunion took place on Monday at RMH Nagpur, closing a chapter once deemed impossible after multiple abandoned attempts.
In her final years at the hospital, Devkka would repeatedly pack her bags, bid farewell to ward mates, and insist that her family was coming—a belief that ultimately became reality. The Andhra Pradesh government is now exploring rehabilitation options for Devkka to ensure her continued well-being and integration into society.
