Tragedy Strikes Billing Valley: Two Young Lives Lost in the Snow

Tragedy Strikes Billing Valley: Two Young Lives Lost in the Snow

A pall of grief has descended on Billing Valley, the renowned paragliding destination near Dharamsala, following the tragic discovery of two young individuals who went missing on Monday. Abhinandan Gupta, a 30-year-old resident of Pathankot, and Pranita Wala, a 26-year-old from Pune, were found deceased on Tuesday, their bodies recovered approximately 3 kilometers below the paragliding take-off point.

According to police reports, the couple had arrived in Billing on Sunday afternoon and parked their car near the seventh mode before embarking on a trek towards the take-off point. When they failed to return on Monday, concerned friends alerted the authorities. A joint rescue team comprising the Mountain Pararescue Team and the police launched a search operation on Tuesday morning. Guided by the barking of Abhinandan’s pet German Shepherd, they located the bodies around 1:00 pm, roughly 100 meters below the footpath.

Initial investigations suggest that the couple may have slipped and fallen on the snow-covered path, sustaining injuries that proved fatal in the extreme cold. Police officials, including Kangra district ASP Veer Bahadur, have emphasized that a post-mortem examination will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death. Abhinandan, who had been residing in a rented accommodation near Chaugan in Beer for the past five years, was reportedly accompanied by his dog during their ill-fated trek. Pranita, on the other hand, had recently arrived in the area.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with venturing into mountainous terrain, particularly during winter months when treacherous weather conditions can quickly turn a recreational trip into a fight for survival. The incident underscores the importance of exercising caution, planning meticulously, and informing responsible individuals about your itinerary when venturing into such areas. As the investigation unfolds and the post-mortem report sheds light on the specific circumstances surrounding the couple’s demise, the local community mourns the loss of two young lives and extends their condolences to the bereaved families.

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