Ex-Armyman goes on fast for missing ‘Tota Gopi’, raises reward to Rs 21,000

A Rs 21,000 reward, an emotional social media appeal, and a vow to remain on a fast until his pet returns. 

For retired army personnel Chandan Mishra in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district, the disappearance of his beloved parakeet has turned into an all-out search.

Mishra, a resident of the area near Banganga Mela ground under Sohagpur police station limits, has appealed to people to help locate his pet bird, Gopi, who flew away on Saturday afternoon.

What began as a frantic search by the family has now gained widespread attention online, with posters and videos being circulated in the hope of bringing the bird home.

The family had initially announced a reward of Rs 11,000 for information leading to Gopi's recovery. On Sunday, the amount was increased to Rs 21,000 as the family intensified its efforts to find the missing bird.

A year of companionship turns into desperate search

Mishra said he had brought the young parakeet from Amarkantak in neighbouring Anuppur district around a year ago. Over time, Gopi became closely attached to the family and was lovingly raised by them.

The green parakeet is also known as 'Mitthu'. It has a distinctive black ring around its neck and characteristic feathers on its back.

According to Mishra, the bird can imitate the voices of family members and has learnt to speak a few words, making it relatively easy for those familiar with the bird to identify it.

These identifying features, along with details about Gopi's sounds and habits, have been included in posters being circulated on social media.

On Saturday, younger members of the family were playing with the parakeet when it suddenly flew away.

The family initially hoped the bird would return before evening. When Gopi failed to come back, they began searching the surrounding area.

Roofs, trees and nearby locations were checked repeatedly, but there was no sign of the missing bird.

‘I will fast until Gopi comes back’

In a video message that has struck an emotional chord online, Mishra can be seen speaking about his distress and appealing to people to help find his pet.

The retired soldier has also announced that he will observe a fast until Gopi is safely reunited with the family.

The family has additionally approached a local pundit and plans to conduct a special 'havan-pujan' as they pray for the parakeet's safe return.

The unusual combination of a sizeable reward, a social media search campaign and Mishra's decision to fast has drawn considerable attention online. People have been sharing the posters and video in the hope that someone recognises the talkative green parakeet and helps return Gopi to the family that has raised him for the past year.