Hyderabad biker vanishes in Himachal, bike found in damage condition

On the afternoon of July 19, Anil Malra was riding one of the most remote mountain roads in the Himalayas, making his way from Ladakh’s Padum towards Leh through the stark, high-altitude landscape of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.

A few hours later, he vanished. His motorcycle was found mangled, and his helmet and riding gear were recovered from the mountainside.

Nearly two weeks on, rescuers are still searching.

Malra, a resident of Hyderabad, arrived in Himachal Pradesh in June and began his motorbike expedition from Bhuntar in Kullu district on July



16.

According to the Lahaul-Spiti police and rescue officials, Malra’s rented motorcycle plunged off the Darcha-Shinku La road near Sumdo Mod 3 after an apparent accident. That stream feeds the Bhaga River, which joins the Chandra at Tandi to become the Chenab.

The search operation is continuing. It is too early to reach any conclusion. The motorcycle, helmet and some safety gear belonging to the victim have been recovered, but the rider is still missing. The recovered articles were identified by Anil Malra’s family members,” an official involved in the rescue operation said.