New Delhi, 30 September 2024. In an extraordinary development, the ongoing search and rescue mission to recover the remains of personnel from the ill-fated Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-12 aircraft, which crashed at Rohtang Pass on 07 February 1968, has achieved significant breakthroughs. The mission, led by the Dogra Scouts of Indian Army in collaboration with representatives of Tiranga Mountain Rescue, is part of the larger Chandra Bhaga Mountain Expedition. The joint team has recovered the remains of four more individuals from the site, marking a significant success in one of India’s longest-running search and recovery operations.
A Journey Spanning Decades
The tragedy dates back to February 7, 1968, when an IAF AN-12 aircraft, carrying 102 passengers, went missing after taking off from Chandigarh and encountering severe weather conditions near the Rohtang Pass. For decades, the wreckage and remains of the victims remained lost in the icy terrain. It was only in 2003 when mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering discovered the wreckage, sparking multiple expeditions over the years by the Indian Army, especially the Dogra Scouts, who have been at the forefront of search missions in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019.
Despite the treacherous conditions and unforgiving terrain, only five bodies were recovered by 2019. However, the Chandra Bhaga Mountain Expedition has now recovered four additional bodies, bringing renewed hope to the families of the deceased and the nation.
Details of Recovered Personnel
As of September 29, 2024, three fully intact bodies and remains of a fourth have been recovered from the snowbound mountains.
1. Malkhan Singh (Pioneer). Identified by a voucher found in his pocket, Malkhan Singh’s identity was confirmed with the help of documents obtained from Pioneer Records Office. His body was recovered nearly six decades after the ill-fated flight.
2. Sepoy Narayan Singh (AMC). Narayan Singh, a sepoy from the Army Medical Corps (AMC), was identified by his paybook found on his person. Singh hailed from the village of Kolpadi, Chamoli Tehsil in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. His next of kin (NOK) is his wife, Smt Basnati Devi. After years of uncertainty, his family can now finally lay him to rest with the dignity and honour he deserves.
3. Unidentified Soldier. While documents recovered from the third body have not conclusively identified the individual, details of the next of kin were found. The wife, Smt Parvati Devi, and father, Mr. Netram, were notified of the discovery.
4. Craftsman Thomas Charan (EME). The remains of CFN Thomas Charan from the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) were identified, with further confirmation through his paybook. He hailed from Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. His next of kin, his mother Eleama, has been informed of the discovery.
A Tribute to Enduring Courage and Perseverance
The Chandra Bhaga Expedition has once again demonstrated the Indian Army’s relentless determination to bring closure to families, even after half a century. The Dogra Scouts of Indian Army, renowned for their expertise in high-altitude operations, have led this mission with exemplary courage, battling through extreme weather conditions and hostile terrain to recover the remains of their fallen comrades.
This discovery also stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Tiranga Mountain Rescue, which has been instrumental in assisting the Indian Army during the expedition. The recovery of these bodies brings some solace to the families who have been waiting for decades, hoping for answers and the return of their loved ones.
The search for the remaining mortal remains of the passengers continues as the expedition, ongoing from September 25 to October 10, 2024, persists in its noble mission. As the nation honours the courage of those who served and the persistence of those who search, this expedition will forever remain a chapter of sacrifice and determination etched in the annals of India’s history.
