On November 19 last year, Ravi Tolani left his Ulhasnagar home in the morning, saying he had some work at Dombivli. This was one of his very few trips outside that year, as he remained mostly confined to his house owing to the COVID-19 restrictions and precautions. However, unlike the other times, the 60-year-old did not return home that day and has been missing since.

His son, Amar Tolani, 29, said, “Dad said he was going to Dombivli to collect an outstanding amount from a couple of shopkeepers. He was in the plastics business. The plan was to take a rickshaw to Kalyan, and then another to Dombivli.” Ravi had left with a small carry bag with cash — a little more than he needed for the commute, and his mobile phone. “That was all he usually carried,” Amar added.