Search for Jharkhand youth drowned in Lahaul’s Chandra river continues

The search and rescue operation to trace the second victim, who had drowned in the Chandra river in Lahaul and Spiti district yesterday, continued for second day today though without success. Two youths from Jharkhand were drowned in the incident. While one body was recovered yesterday, the second victim remained untraceable.

In response to the ongoing search, an elaborate operation was initiated during the day involving seven teams. The teams comprising various specialised units and activists continued efforts to locate the missing youth. There was a district police team, a quick response team (QRT), a raft team from Babeli, Manali Adventure Search and Rescue team and a local team of residents assisting the search operations.

Police officials, including Raj Kumar, DSP, Keylong, Lahaul and Spiti, were present on the site leading the operation. The teams worked relentlessly to locate the missing youth, who was swept away by the river’s strong current while attempting to cross along with his companion.

DSP Raj Kumar stated that despite the challenges posed by the river’s swift flow and rugged terrain, the search operation continued today and teams were hopeful of finding the victim soon.

Local residents and authorities have called for increased caution in such areas due to the river’s unpredictable nature.

“The operation will continue until the missing individual is found,” he said.