ALAPPUZHA: A Malayali man who travelled to Uttar Pradesh for the Maha Kumbh Mela has reportedly gone missing. The missing individual has been identified as 42-year-old Joju George from Kozhuvallur, Chengannur, in Alappuzha district.

Joju, along with a family friend, had travelled to Prayagraj to take part in the Kumbh Mela. They left Chengannur on February 9th, travelling by train. Joju last contacted his family on February 12th, informing them that his phone had broken after falling and that he was calling from his companion’s device. He mentioned that he had reached the Kumbh Mela, taken a ritual bath in the river, and planned to return home on February 14th. However, his family has not heard from him since.

The friend who accompanied Joju returned home on the 14th but reportedly did not provide satisfactory answers when questioned about Joju’s whereabouts. The family confirmed that they had received photos of both of them attending the Kumbh Mela. Following a complaint, the Chengannur police have registered a case and launched an investigation.