Parents of Missing Engineering Student in Finland Plead for Help
In their quiet Hayathnagar home, Mamta Reddy and G Muthyam Reddy sit in silence, overwhelmed by grief. Their 18-year-old son, Manideep Reddy Gujja, an engineering student at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) in Finland, has been missing for 45 days. Despite their relentless efforts, they have received little hope from authorities in both India and Finland.
Speaking to TOI, the parents revealed that little progress was made until the Telangana High Court intervened on June 17, seeking an action-taken report from central and state authorities. The next hearing is scheduled for June 24.
Manideep went missing on May 4 after his last call with his mother. According to Finnish police, he was at a gathering with friends and requested 6,000 INR before disappearing. The money was transferred but never used. Police tracked him 100 km from his shared apartment to a K-Market in Helsinki, but no further leads have emerged.
"We contacted the MEA's Consular Services Management System (MADAD) on May 12, but received no updates. Even the investigation hasn't moved from his last known location," said Mamta. The family has written daily emails to officials, ministers, and police, but most went unanswered.
The parents have also applied for a Finnish visa, which is yet to be issued. Manideep's 15-year-old brother, desperate for his return, said, "We just want to watch anime and play online games together again."
The family appeals to the MEA and Finnish police to act swiftly and provide clarity. "Each passing day leaves us searching for another contact, another office, another lead," said his father, fighting back tears.
