Missing-Rider – Hyderabad Biker Remains Untraceable After Himachal Mountain Accident
Missing-Rider –A 42-year-old motorcyclist from Hyderabad has remained missing for nearly two weeks after reportedly meeting with an accident on the remote Darcha-Shinku La route in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district. Authorities have continued extensive search efforts, but no trace of the rider has been found despite recovering several of his belongings from the accident site.
Accident Reported on High-Altitude Route
According to officials, Anil Marla, an experienced motorcycle traveller, was riding his Royal Enfield Himalayan from Padum in Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley toward the Lahaul Valley when the incident occurred on July 19. Preliminary findings suggest that he lost control of the motorcycle near Sumdo Mod 3, causing the vehicle to fall into a deep mountain gorge along the challenging road.
The route is known for its rugged terrain, steep slopes and unpredictable weather, making rescue operations particularly difficult in the region.
Personal Belongings Recovered During Search
Rescue teams located the damaged motorcycle along with Anil’s helmet, mobile phone and travel bag from a mountain stream and surrounding area. However, despite recovering these items, search personnel have not been able to locate the rider.
Officials believe the powerful flow of the mountain stream may have carried him further downstream into the Bhaga River. The Bhaga later merges with the Chandra River at Tandi, forming the Chenab River, expanding the area where search teams are now concentrating their efforts.
Multiple Agencies Continue Rescue Efforts
The search operation has involved personnel from the Himachal Pradesh Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local volunteers and residents familiar with the difficult landscape. Teams have been inspecting deep ravines, riverbanks and mountain streams while drones are being used to examine areas that are otherwise inaccessible on foot.
Authorities have stated that every possible effort is being made to cover the challenging terrain despite the difficult geographical conditions.
Family Awaits Positive News
Since learning about the accident, Anil Marla’s wife, Sumita Sharma, has remained in the Lahaul region, hoping for progress in the search. After losing contact with her husband on July 19, she approached police authorities in both Keylong and Padum. She was later informed that he had reportedly met with an accident near Darcha.
According to people familiar with the search, she has decided to stay in the area until all available options to locate her husband have been exhausted.
Appeal for Information Across Multiple Regions
The family has requested support from authorities in several districts to help locate Anil. Appeals have been made to the administrations and police of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, along with officials in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban.
They have also urged shepherds, trekkers, tourists, local residents and workers associated with hydroelectric projects operating near the river systems to remain vigilant and immediately report any information that could assist investigators or rescue teams.
As the search enters its twelfth day, officials continue to monitor riverbanks and remote mountain stretches in the hope of finding fresh evidence that could help determine Anil Marla’s whereabouts.