Rescue Mission Reveals Loyalty in Tragedy
In a heartbreaking incident in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, two cousins, Viksit, aged 19, and Piyush, 13, were discovered frozen to death after a snowfall that blanketed the region. Their loyal pitbull, Jonu, stood guard over them for four days amidst freezing temperatures.
The boys had gone trekking to film a vlog on January 22, during a period when a yellow alert for snowfall had already been issued. Their families raised the alarm when the cousins did not return home, prompting a rescue operation from local authorities on January 23.
Background on the Individuals Involved
Viksit and Piyush lived in Malkota village, roughly 115 kilometers from Dalhousie and 60 kilometers from Chamba town. They had grown up together and shared a strong bond not only with each other but also with their pitbulls, which were gifted to them by Viksit’s father, Sanjay Rana.
Viksit’s family had remained in the village this winter, postponing their usual migration to lower regions. The boys were reportedly fond of video-making, and a smartphone gifted to them a few months prior had fueled their interest in vlogging.
The Fateful Trek
The cousins set off on January 22 towards the snow-laden heights of the Barmani range to film a video. Despite warnings about treacherous conditions, they trekked to Barmani Temple and continued further, unable to foresee the harsh weather that awaited them.
After doing so, visibility worsened significantly, and heavy snow quickly enveloped the area. Panic escalated when the boys did not return home by the next day, prompting their families to notify local authorities.
Emergency Response
On January 23, an emergency operation was launched to search for the cousins. Local police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and mountain rescue teams worked together to scour the area, but fresh snowfall made their efforts perilous.
On January 24, a ray of hope emerged when Viksit managed to contact his family by phone. In a desperate tone, he informed them that they were trapped, unable to move or send their exact location. His fingers were so numb that he couldn’t maneuver his device properly, and he voiced concerns about Piyush’s deteriorating condition.
Challenges Faced During the Operation
The weather conditions continued to deteriorate on January 24, complicating the rescue further. Visibility sharply declined, limiting search efforts. Authorities considered deploying drones but faced limitations in availability and experienced operators, leading to critical delays in the operation.
Helicopters from the Indian Air Force were deployed on January 25 to assist in the search. Multiple sorties were attempted, but the weather posed a serious threat to the safety of the aircrew and ground search teams.
Discovery of the Victims
Early on January 26, helicopter pilots spotted a body lying in the snow, with Jonu standing beside it. Local rescue teams were guided to the scene, where they recovered one body for transport while the pitbull remained at its post, seemingly unaware of the tragic situation.
Following this, rescuers took the brave dog into their care while conducting further aerial searches. As the teams navigated treacherous terrain, they located Piyush’s body in another area after Jonu was safely evacuated.
The Aftermath
Both bodies were recovered and handed over to their families by January 26 afternoon. Their final rites took place on January 27, marking a poignant end to a heartbreaking chapter for the community and the families involved. Neeta Devi, Viksit’s mother, had expressed plans for migration, which were never realized due to unforeseen circumstances.
Sarpanch Sanjiv Kumar noted the deep bond between the boys and their pets, indicating that the dogs accompanied them not through training, but through a shared sense of belonging. The loss resonated deeply, with locals lamenting the tragic circumstances that led to this incident.
Community Reaction
The tragic incident has drawn significant attention, earning a place on social media. A video showcasing Jonu’s unwavering loyalty as he guarded the bodies has gone viral, spurring emotional responses from viewers and prompting discussions about the bond between humans and animals.
Rescue team officials expressed their sorrow over the young lives lost, while also acknowledging the heart-wrenching sights they encountered during the operations. “It’s a tragedy that these boys lost their lives; we wish our efforts could have brought them back,” stated Bharmour SDM Vikash Sharma.
Coping With the Loss
As the village mourns, families are grappling with their unimaginable sorrow. Piyush’s family had sent him to live with Viksit’s family to provide better stability. The dynamics of these familial relationships added further layers of grief to their loss.
Community gatherings have sprouted up, where friends and neighbors come together to offer support to the grieving families. Plans to establish a local memorial to keep the memory of Viksit and Piyush alive have also been discussed.
A Final Note on Jonu
After the rescue, attention has shifted towards Jonu, whose loyalty has touched many hearts. The dog exhibited incredible bravery throughout, revealing the powerful bond that can exist between humans and their canine companions.
While Jonu has been safely taken in, the community continues to rally around him as a symbol of loyalty and love in the face of tragedy. As life resumes in Malkota village, Jonu stands as a reminder of the lives lost and the courageous spirit of those who strive to protect those they love.