West Bengal CM expresses concern over missing Bankura trekkers in Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state government is in contact with Uttarakhand authorities to locate five missing individuals.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed concern on Monday regarding five trekkers from Bankura who disappeared during a Kedartal trek in Uttarakhand. According to ANI, the individuals went missing amidst extreme weather and significant snowfall in the region.
The missing trekkers have been identified as Rintu Mondal, Uday Ghosh, Ratan Ghosh, Tapas Bauri and Manoj Khawas. Adhikari stated on X that the West Bengal government is maintaining contact with the Uttarakhand government and its State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The state administration is receiving updates through its Resident Commissioner's Office in New Delhi and disaster management channels. Adhikari added that the government has reached out to the families in Bankura to provide emotional and logistical support.
In Uttarakhand, the SDRF began intensive ground and aerial search operations on Sunday to find seven trekkers and one guide missing in the Uttarkashi district. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi has deployed a specialised mountaineering team for the task.
Earlier, the SDRF Gangotri team attempted reconnaissance, but heavy snow and weather conditions limited ground progress. Authorities subsequently used helicopters for aerial surveys, including sorties conducted by Head Constable Ravi Chauhan and Constable Deepak Pant.
During these aerial reconnaissance flights over the Kedartal area, no visible signs of the missing persons or their tents were found.