In a poignant development, four bodies have been recovered near the Chandrabhaga range 13 (CB 13) peak, close to Batal in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, 56 years after the tragic crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-12 aircraft at the Rohtang Pass.
The ill-fated aircraft, which took off from Chandigarh on February 7, 1968, was carrying 102 passengers when it encountered severe weather conditions, resulting in its disappearance. For decades, the wreckage and remains of the victims lay buried in the icy terrain of the Himalayas, shrouded in mystery and heartache.
Historical Context and Recovery Efforts
The recovery of the four bodies was confirmed by Lahaul and Spiti Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Chaudhary. “We have received information about the recovered bodies, and a police and medical team will depart from Kaza shortly. After conducting post-mortem examinations, the bodies will be handed over to their families,” he stated.
The wreckage of the aircraft was initially discovered in 2003 by an expedition from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali, located in the south Dhaka glacier. During this expedition, the remains of a body were found and later identified as that of Sepoy Beli Ram, an army personnel who was aboard the flight.
The search for the aircraft and its passengers has seen numerous expeditions organized by the Indian Army, particularly by the Dogra Scouts, with notable search missions in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019. These efforts, often hindered by the treacherous conditions and unforgiving terrain, resulted in the recovery of only five bodies by 2019.
Renewed Hope for Families
The recent recovery of the four additional bodies by the Chandrabhaga Mountain Expedition brings renewed hope and closure to the families of the deceased and the nation. The efforts of the expedition team, despite the harsh conditions, underline a continued commitment to honoring the memories of those lost in the tragedy.
As investigations and post-mortem procedures begin, families eagerly await the return of their loved ones’ remains, a long-overdue conclusion to a tragic chapter in India’s aviation history. The recovery serves not only as a poignant reminder of the past but also as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and closure amidst adversity.
Sources By Agencies
