A spiritual journey became tragic in Himachal's Mani Mahesh as three Punjabi youths perished due to lack of oxygen at high altitude. The fatalities were registered between late Friday night and early Saturday morning.
The dead bodies have been found as Aman (18) and Rohit (18) of Pathankot, and Anmol (26) belonging to Gurdaspur. The police have confirmed that the bodies are being brought to Bharmour for post-mortem, following which the bodies will be handed over to their families. Aman's and Rohit's families have already been apprised and are proceeding towards Bharmour.
Aman was rescued from Kamal Kund last night as per local administration but passed away at Gaurikund shortly after. Rohit fell and died on the Kugti track because of oxygen deprivation. Anmol lost his life at Dhanchho at 10 am on Saturday. Mountain Training and NDRF rescue teams were deployed to retrieve the bodies.
Confirming the fatalities, one police official at the site revealed that all three of the deceased pilgrims were from Punjab. Endless rains in the area have compelled authorities to shut down the Mani Mahesh Yatra temporarily. Pilgrims have been instructed to remain at safety places until further notice.
The pilgrimage, which was to start on August 16 and last till August 31, has been gravely hampered by inclement weather. The National Highway from Pathankot to Bharmour is shut at multiple places due to landslides, stranding many pilgrims along the way.
16 pilgrims have lost their lives so far this year during the Mani Mahesh Yatra, largely because of oxygen deficiency, rolling stones, and weather-related reasons.
