A retired Indian Navy officer and 1971 war veteran, Navin Chandra Upadhyay, aged 85, has been missing for more than 40 days, sparking concern across northern states. Upadhyay disappeared while traveling from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh to Delhi on June 11, and has not been seen since.
CCTV footage confirms he reached Chandigarh, appearing at both Sector-43 and Sector-17 bus stands. He was last seen boarding a bus bound for Delhi. However, he never reached his destination. His last suspected location was near Singhpura bus stand in Zirakpur, where witnesses believe he may have been deboarded.
With no mobile phone, money, or identification documents on him, the search has proven increasingly difficult. His daughter, Monica Sharma, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, has been leading the family’s search through Punjab and Haryana. Despite extensive efforts across Chandigarh, Ambala, Zirakpur, and Karnal, there have been no confirmed sightings.
After minimal progress by local authorities, Monica escalated the matter to the Haryana Director General of Police. The case has now been handed over to the State Crime Branch. Officer Rajesh Kumar confirmed that Upadhyay’s photos have been circulated to police stations and old-age homes across the region.
Authorities have issued a public appeal requesting anyone with information or who spots an elderly man appearing disoriented to immediately contact the nearest police station or dial 112. The family remains hopeful for his safe return.
