Kolkata: A retired Railways employee from Behala, who was a self-proclaimed Shiv devotee and had a dream to undertake the Mansarovar yatra, features among the list of those missing in Nepal since the disaster. His family is unable to establish contact with him despite repeated attempts to trace him through the tour operator and the authorities.Ranjit Howlader (63), a resident of Parnasree in Behala who travelled to Nepal with Chalo Jaai Travel Club, is known as an avid trekker among his neighbours. His daughter, Sunanda, who lives in Mumbai, rushed to Kolkata after learning that her father was missing and has appealed to the govt to rescue him and bring him back.The family last spoke to Howlader on the night before the disaster. There has been no communication with him since then. Sunanda said the family subsequently contacted the tour operator’s office and has been receiving updates from the local police, but has not been able to ascertain his whereabouts or condition.“I have not been able to contact my father since the disaster. I last spoke to him on the night before the disaster. He used to call me once he would get back to the hotel and could use the hotel wifi. I want the govt to rescue my father as soon as possible and bring him back,” said Sunanda.Howlader, a devotee of Lord Shiva, frequently went on trips on his own. He had travelled with the Chalo Jaai Travel Cbon earlier occassions as well and was extremely excited for the Nepal trip. His only daughter Sunanda lives in Mumbai, while his elderly wife was alone at their home in Parnasree.A neighbour said Howlader had retired from the railways and was known to travel frequently. His daughter arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday after receiving news of the disaster and visited the Chalo Jaai travel club’s office to seek information about her father.Howlader’s family has urged the state and central governments to coordinate with the Nepal authorities and ensure his safe rescue at the earliest.
