Sambalpur, Oct 24: When love and pain collide, the outcome can be unimaginable. A heart-wrenching incident at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences And Research (VIMSAR) in Burla of Odisha’s Sambalpur district has shown the depth of a mother and son’s bond.

Unable to bear the pain of his mother’s suffering from cancer, a 22-year-old youth has gone missing, leaving behind a heartbreaking message that has left everyone in tears.

The missing youth has been identified as Sourav Sambit Tripathy (22), a resident of Mahalaxminagar in Balangir district. His mother, battling cancer for several months, has been under treatment at VIMSAR, Burla and he had been staying by her side day and night, caring for her.

However, on the evening of October 22, he suddenly went missing from the hospital. His mother searched the wards and surrounding areas frantically but could not find him. Soon after, she discovered a message on her mobile phone — Sourav’s last words: “Ma, I can’t bear to see your suffering. I can’t live without you. I am going to the Burla canal to end my life.”

Those words broke the mother’s heart. She hasn’t stopped crying since she read them. The hospital ward feels heavy with sadness and shock, as everyone — patients, visitors, and staff — struggles to take in the terrible news.

Following a written complaint from the family, Burla Police have launched a search operation. Police teams, along with fire service personnel, began searching the Burla Power Canal and nearby areas from early Friday morning using boats. CCTV footage and Sourav’s mobile phone location are also being tracked as part of the investigation.

Despite continuous efforts, the youth remains untraceable. The search operation is currently underway.