An 80-year-old woman from Uthiramerur, who had gone missing due to memory loss and was found wandering in Chennai, was rescued and safely reunited with her family by the “Kaval Karangal” team.
The “Kaval Karangal” help centre of the Greater Chennai Police was launched on 21.04.2021 (Helpline: 9444717100, 24×7). It rescues homeless and mentally ill persons from the streets, provides them shelter, and ensures their care. With the motto “Respect Humanity – Protect Compassion”, this service continues with the support of volunteers.
This initiative is being carried out under the instructions of the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, Mr. A. Arun, IPS, and is monitored at headquarters by the Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Mr. G. Karthikeyan, IPS.
As part of this service, on 30.07.2025, based on information received, the Kaval Karangal team rescued an elderly woman, about 80 years old, who was found helpless in the Maduvankarai area under J-3 Guindy Police Station limits. She was identified as Mariammal. Due to her mental condition, she was initially sheltered and given medical care.
Later, through information shared on social media and investigation, it was found that she was a resident of Uthiramerur. On 08.06.2025, while visiting her daughter, she had mistakenly boarded a wrong bus and ended up in Maduvankarai. Her family had already filed a missing complaint at the Uthiramerur Police Station.
Accordingly, on 09.09.2025, after completing due legal formalities, Mariammal was reunited with her daughter, Gengammal (age 50), residing in Maduranthagam, Chengalpattu District, by the Kaval Karangal team. The family expressed their gratitude to the police and the volunteers.
Since its inception, the Kaval Karangal help centre has rescued 8,796 homeless and destitute individuals. Among them, 5,866 have been sheltered, 1,415 reunited with their families, 1,094 treated in mental health institutions, and 421 treated in government hospitals.
In addition, through the Kaval Karangal food assistance vehicle, 3,13,641 meals have been provided to shelters so far. The team has also helped conduct proper last rites for 5,692 unclaimed bodies, with the support of volunteers.
