Kolkata Tourist Found Dead in Darjeeling's Tonglu Following Snowfall
A 39-year-old tourist from Kolkata was discovered deceased at Tonglu, approximately 11 kilometers from Manebhanjang in the Darjeeling district, on Saturday morning. The incident has cast a shadow over the scenic region, which recently experienced snowfall.
Discovery by Friend After Weather-Induced Halt
The deceased, identified as Imran Ali from Chowringhee Lane in Kolkata, was found unresponsive by his friend, Rohit Shekhar. According to police reports, the situation unfolded when Shekhar attempted to wake Ali in the morning to view the landscape after Friday night's snowfall. Shekhar immediately realized Ali was not responding and called for emergency assistance.
Shekhar provided details of their journey, stating, "We arrived in Siliguri on March 25 with plans for a trek. Due to deteriorating weather, we opted to hire a cab for Sandakphu. As conditions worsened further, we descended to Tonglu to spend the night. The next day, the bad weather persisted, forcing another halt. The following morning, when I tried to rouse him, he was unresponsive. I promptly sought help." The friends had originally departed Kolkata on March 24.
Official Response and Body Transportation
Rajesh Chauhan, deputy chairman of the GTA Sabha, confirmed that authorities were alerted about the incident through the Singalila Land Rovers Owners' Association (SLROA). "Through the association, the deceased was transported to Sukhiapokhri, where he was officially declared dead. The body was then moved to the Darjeeling morgue and will be sent to his residence via ambulance," Chauhan explained.
Adverse Weather Conditions and Snowfall Impact
Meanwhile, Sandakphu, West Bengal's highest peak, witnessed snowfall on Saturday morning, marking the fourth such event of the season. Bikram Chettri, president of the Society for Highlanders Guides and Porters Welfare Association in Manebhanjang, noted that the weather remains unfavorable, with more snowfall anticipated.
Chettri elaborated, "Snowfall at Sandakphu commenced around 7 pm on Friday and continued until approximately 5 am on Saturday. The weather is still poor today, with continuous rain since morning. We are expecting additional snowfall." This inclement weather likely contributed to the tourists' decision to halt their trek, highlighting the challenges faced by visitors in the region during this period.
The tragic incident underscores the importance of safety precautions for tourists in remote, high-altitude areas, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. Local authorities are investigating the exact cause of death, while the community mourns the loss of a visitor amidst the natural beauty of Darjeeling.
