A 32-year-old woman from Maharashtra died while on a trekking expedition to Hamta Pass. The cause of death is suspected to be high-altitude sickness, though confirmation awaits the postmortem report. The police have taken custody of the body and initiated an investigation.
The deceased, Shabnam Mohammad Aslam Ansari, wife of Rakesh, was a resident of B-108, Bhageshree Geeta Nagar Colony, Kapolbari Samor, Bhayander Best, Thane, Maharashtra. She was part of a group of 32 women trekking in the region.
On Monday (June 10, 2024) morning, Shabnam’s health suddenly deteriorated. She was immediately shifted to hospital, but passed away before reaching there. Shubhash Chand, who brought her to the hospital, is a long-time trekking guide with Kailash Rath Adventure Company.
He reported that the group had set out on June 8 under the leadership of their instructor. Earlier this morning, he received an urgent message from Haris, a fellow trekker, stating that Shabnam needed immediate medical assistance at Balu Ka Ghera near Hamta.
Shubhash, along with his team, responded promptly and shifted Shabnam to the hospital. However, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
Manali DSP KD Sharma said the police had launched an investigation into the incident. While high-altitude sickness was the suspected cause, definitive conclusions would be drawn once the postmortem report was available, he said.
