Retired Army man offers Rs 21,000 reward to find missing pet parakeet

A retired Army personnel in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district has offered a Rs 21,000 reward for information leading to the return of his pet parakeet, Gopi, which flew away. The emotional appeal has gone viral as the family continues searching

Shahdol: In an unusual and emotional appeal that has gone viral on social media, a retired army personnel from Sohagpur in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh has announced a reward of Rs 21,000 for anyone who helps him recover his pet ‘tota’ (parakeet) which escaped a day before.

He had named the bird as Gopi. Chandan Mishra, who lives near Banganga Mela ground under Sohagpur police station area, released a video message expressing deep distress after his beloved bird flew away on Saturday afternoon.

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The family had initially announced a reward of Rs 11,000 but raised it to Rs 21,000 on Sunday in a desperate bid to get the “Tota” back. Mishra is seen narrating in the video that he had brought the young parrot from Amarkantak in neighbouring Anuppur district about a year ago.

The family raised it with great care, and the bird became extremely friendly with all members. Affectionately called both ‘Gopi’ and ‘Mitthu’, the green bird has a black ring around its neck and distinctive feathers on its back.

It imitates the voices of family members and can speak a few words, the former Armyman said. These unique traits and special sounds have been detailed in posters released on social media to help people identify it.

On Saturday, young members of the family were playing with the parakeet when it suddenly took flight and vanished. Hoping it would return on its own, they waited near evening.

When it did not come back, they launched an intensive search across neighbouring roofs, trees and surrounding areas, but found no trace of the bird.

Visibly emotional, the former soldier has declared that he will observe a fast until Gopi returns safely. The family has also contacted a local pundit and plans to organise a special ‘havan-pujan’ (religious rituals) seeking the bird’s safe homecoming.

The heartfelt appeal and the unusual reward have drawn widespread attention online, with many people sharing the posters and video in the hope that someone spots the talkative parrot and helps reunite it with its devoted owner.