Chamba/Shimla, Jan26,
Two youngsters lost to a sudden snow blizzard in the upper reaches of Bharmour were traced after four harrowing days on Monday, in a rescue operation that ended in tragedy — and an unforgettable act of loyalty by a pet dog that refused to abandon its owners even in death.
The victims were identified as 19-year-old Vikas Rana and his 13-year-old cousin Piyush, residents of the Bharmour area in Chamba district. The two had gone on a brief outing towards the higher reaches near a sacred site on January 23 (Bharmani mata temple), carrying camping equipment and accompanied by Piyush’s pet dog.
According to preliminary information, the boys were filming a video when weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. What began as a routine excursion turned perilous as heavy snowfall, strong winds and a sudden blizzard engulfed the area, drastically reducing visibility. Rescue officials believe the abrupt change in weather caused the boys to lose direction in the treacherous terrain.
Trapped in sub-zero temperatures with no immediate shelter, both succumbed to extreme cold.
When the boys failed to return, anxious family members and villagers alerted the authorities, triggering a large-scale search operation involving the district administration, police, disaster response teams and local volunteers. The operation faced repeated setbacks as continuous snowfall and near-zero visibility made ground movement dangerous.
To widen the search, drones and two Army helicopters were deployed, but adverse weather conditions forced repeated suspensions, prolonging the ordeal for both rescuers and families.
A breakthrough finally came on Monday when a rescue team managed to reach a remote, snowbound forested area deep in the upper reaches of Bharmour. What they encountered left even seasoned personnel shaken.
Officials said the pet dog was found sitting beside one of the bodies, visibly weak, shivering in the cold — yet unwilling to leave. The dog is believed to have remained there for nearly four days, guarding the lifeless bodies through relentless snowfall and freezing temperatures.
“Despite the extreme cold and lack of food, the dog stayed with them. Its presence helped us confirm we had reached the exact location,” a rescue official said, describing the moment as deeply emotional.
After completing all legal and procedural formalities, the bodies were brought down from the site. The tragic incident has cast a deep pall of grief over the Bharmour region, with locals mourning the untimely loss of two young lives.
Across Himachal Pradesh, the story of the dog’s unwavering loyalty has resonated strongly, symbolising devotion and companionship even in the face of death.
Authorities have once again urged trekkers, pilgrims and locals to exercise extreme caution while venturing into higher altitudes during winter, strictly adhere to weather advisories, and avoid unnecessary movement during snowfall or blizzard warnings.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
