Search operation continues with NDRF, divers, drones; family prays for her safe return
TNR News Network
CHAMBA:
Five days after a tragic car accident near Chamba, the search for Ishika, a young intern doctor from Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla who went missing in Ravi river continues with no breakthrough yet. Despite relentless efforts by NDRF teams, divers and drone surveillance, no trace of the 24-year-old has been found.
The accident occurred on September 20 on the Chamba-Pathankot National Highway near Parel Ghar, when a Swift car carrying four medical interns from Chamba Medical College skidded off the road and plunged into Ravi river.
One dead, two injured, one missing
According to Chamba ADM Amit Mehra, the vehicle was carrying four intern doctors — two of whom were seriously injured, one lost his life and one remains missing.
“The body of Dr Akhilesh, a medical intern from Hamirpur, was recovered from the accident site,” said Mehra. “Two others — Dr Rishant from Shimla and Dr Divyank from Solan — sustained serious injuries and are being treated at Chamba Medical College.”
The missing intern, Dr Ishika, originally from Hatkoti in Shimla district, is suspected to have been swept away by the fast-moving Ravi river.
Authorities have not given up hope. “Search operations are ongoing with the help of NDRF teams, local divers, and drones,” Mehra said. “We’re also working with local panchayat representatives. We remain hopeful that she will be found soon.”
Dr Ishika’s disappearance has left her family and hometown in deep distress. Her father, a mathematics lecturer, and her mother, a teacher, have been waiting anxiously for any news. Ishika also has a younger sister. The entire family is praying for her safe return.
“It’s been five days of unbearable silence. We are clinging to hope,” said a relative. The incident has cast a shadow over the tight-knit medical community at Chamba Medical College, where all four involved in the crash were interns.
Authorities appeal for public cooperation
ADM Mehra urged locals and fishermen living along the banks of the Ravi river to remain alert and inform authorities if they come across any leads.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but officials say the car may have lost control due to slippery road conditions or speeding.
In the meantime, the administration has assured that all resources will continue to be deployed until the missing doctor is found.
