8-member family rescued after nightlong search near Janjehli

An eight-member family from Dadaur, who went missing while returning from the Shikari Mata Temple in Janjehli, was rescued safely early this morning near Tangral Nala. The group had lost its way around 7.30 pm on Thursday due to dense fog and the difficult forested terrain.

Upon receiving the alert, the administration swiftly launched a rescue operation. A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) left Mandi around 11 pm and reached Ruhada by 2 am. The search began immediately in coordination with local police, revenue officials, fire services, Home Guards and volunteers.

Thunag SDM Manu Verma personally supervised the operation through the night, ensuring smooth coordination among all departments. After several hours of sustained effort, the family was found safe at about 6.30 am and later reunited with their relatives.

The missing group included retired principal Rajender Kumar and seven family members. They reportedly lost track of the main trail while descending from the temple. Among them was Arti, a resident of Janjehli and a former student of Kumar.

The rescue was initiated after panchayat vice-president Bhim Singh informed authorities. The Janjehli police immediately deployed three teams along different routes, but when initial attempts failed, the District Emergency Operations Centre sought help from the SDRF. Thanks to the coordinated and tireless efforts of rescue teams, the family’s safe return brought relief to the entire region.