Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Viral Instagram Reel Reunites Missing Jharkhand Man With Family
Yasin Sheikh left his village in Jharkhand in 2017 and did not return.
His family searched for him for many years.
He was later found wandering in Kerala, but he could not clearly say his name or where he came from.
People at a care facility called him Rasheed.
He liked appearing in videos and was shown holding an Indian flag in a short Instagram reel.
Yasin’s cousin saw the video and recognized his smile.
Officials checked his Aadhaar card and other details and confirmed who he was.
Yasin spoke with his family by video call and started traveling home with his brother.
His mother had died in 2023 while waiting for him.
Yasin Sheikh disappeared from his Jharkhand village in 2017 at age 26.
Kerala residents found him wandering in Kozhikode district the same year.
He lived under the name Rasheed at a care facility for specially abled people.
An Independence Day Instagram reel showing him went viral, reaching more than one million viewers.
His cousin recognized him, and Yasin began traveling home after authorities verified his identity.
- Who
- Yasin Sheikh, also known as Rasheed in Kerala, and his family in Jharkhand.
- What
- A viral Instagram reel helped identify Yasin after he had been missing for about nine years.
- When
- He disappeared in 2017 and began his journey home on Thursday.
- Where
- He was found in Kozhikode district, Kerala, and is returning to Sahibganj district, Jharkhand.
- Why
- His cousin recognized him in the reel, after which authorities verified his identity.
- Missing since
- 2017
- Age when he disappeared
- 26
- Current age
- 35, according to records
- Kerala name
- Rasheed
- Video reach
- More than 1 million viewers
- Care facility
- Karunyatheeram in Kattippara, Kozhikode
- Family destination
- Sahibganj district, Jharkhand
- Family loss
- Yasin’s mother died in 2023 while waiting for him