Lost then found after 27 years? Family’s shocking claim at Kumbh Mela stirs controversy

Uttar Pradesh: A family from Jharkhand has made a shocking claim at the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. After 27 years of uncertainty, they believe they have found their long-lost relative, Gangasagar Yadav, who had disappeared in 1998. The man they have identified is now a 65-year-old ‘Aghori’ monk known as Baba Rajkumar.

From family man to ascetic: The disappearance of Gangasagar Yadav

Gangasagar Yadav vanished in 1998 after traveling to Patna, leaving behind his wife, Dhanwa Devi, and two young sons, Kamlesh and Vimlesh. Over the years, the family lost all hope of ever finding him. However, their fate took an unexpected turn when a relative attending the Kumbh Mela spotted a man who bore a striking resemblance to Gangasagar.

A startling encounter at the Kumbh Mela

Murli Yadav, Gangasagar’s younger brother, recounted the emotional moment when they confronted the monk. "One of our relatives took a photograph of the monk and sent it to us. Seeing the resemblance, we immediately traveled to Prayagraj with Dhanwa Devi and the children, determined to bring him back," Murli stated. However, their hopes were quickly shattered when Baba Rajkumar refused to acknowledge any connection to his past life.

Denial and Resistance: The monk refuses his past identity

Despite the family’s insistence, Baba Rajkumar maintained that he was a Sadhu from Varanasi and had no ties to the Yadav family. However, the family pointed out unmistakable physical features—his long teeth, an injury on his forehead, and a distinct scar on his knee—as proof that he was indeed Gangasagar Yadav.

The DNA test demand: A fight for truth

Unwilling to accept his denial, the Yadav family has demanded a DNA test to confirm their claim. "If the DNA test does not match, we will apologize to Baba Rajkumar, but we need closure," said Murli Yadav. Some family members have returned home, while others have stayed behind to monitor the monk and his companion, a Sadhvi.

Awaiting legal action post-Kumbh mela

The family has vowed to pursue legal action if the DNA test proves their claim. Gangasagar’s disappearance left a deep void in their lives—his elder son was just two years old when he went missing, and his younger son had not even been born. Now, after nearly three decades, they await the final piece of evidence that could reunite them with their long-lost loved one.