Two more bodies recovered in ongoing landslide search operation
Along with his body, the rescuers also discovered what is suspected to be the body of six-year-old Amaira Sandhu. Amaira was the daughter of Lt. Col. Pritpal Sandhu.
LOCAL
The search operation that has been going on for days after a deadly landslide struck near an army camp has led to the recovery of two more bodies. The landslide had taken place on June 2, 2025, in a hilly region under the area of OCTPS camp. Since then, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate the missing people.
The tragic incident was first reported through an FIR (number 02/2025) registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) after Camp Commandant Lt. Col. Rajesh Malahay filed a report. According to the report, six Army personnel and three civilians went missing after the landslide swept through the area.
Soon after the incident, rescue teams managed to recover the bodies of two Army personnel and one civilian on the same day, June 2. On June 7, the body of another Army soldier, Sepoy Sainudheen P.K., bearing Army number 2620160L, was also recovered.
Yesterday, during continued search efforts under difficult and dangerous conditions, the body of another Army jawan, Sepoy (HK) Sunilal Muchahary, was found buried under the debris. He was 35 years old and a resident of Pub Makra village, Kaliagaon post office, Bijni tehsil in Chirang district of Assam. He was the son of the late Abkhola Muchahary. Officials confirmed that he died while performing his duties.
Along with his body, the rescuers also discovered what is suspected to be the body of six-year-old Amaira Sandhu. Amaira was the daughter of Lt. Col. Pritpal Sandhu. Her family belongs to Village D802, Palm Village, Post Office SAS Nagar Sector 126, in Punjab’s Mohali district.
After confirming the identities and completing all necessary legal formalities at the place where the bodies were found, officials arranged for their transport. Due to the area being cut off by road and no proper connectivity, the bodies were airlifted by an Army helicopter. They were sent to the 158 Base Hospital in Bengdubu, Bagdogra, located in West Bengal’s Siliguri, under the escort of Army personnel.
Rescue operations are still continuing in the area as not all missing persons have been located. Teams from the Army, local administration, and disaster response forces are working together, despite facing tough terrain, unstable weather, and high risk of further landslides.