Himachal: Israeli trekker goes missing in Triund, search underway

Dharamshala: An Israeli national, who went for a trek to Triund in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra, has gone missing, police said on Tuesday.

Samuel Vengrinovich, in his mid 30s, set out for a trek on June 6 with a group, they said.

When he did not return by nightfall, an intensive search was carried out. However, after failing to locate him, his friend Ediblam, alerted the McLeodganj police on Monday, the police said.

A group of five tourists had come to Himachal Pradesh for a trip, but Samuel got separated during the trek in the hills of Triund and they have not heard from him since then, they said.

Kangra Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri said following the report, joint search teams of police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) launched extensive operations.

They are combing Triund, Indrahar Pass, Jot, and other nearby remote areas but despite ongoing efforts, no sign of Samuel has been found, so far, the police said.

Given the gravity of the situation, the authorities have informed the Israeli Embassy in Delhi. The district administration is closely monitoring the search operation and has put teams on high alert.

In the meantime, Kangra officials have urged all tourists and trekkers to register with local police before heading out and to strictly follow safety guidelines related to weather conditions and trekking routes to avoid such incidents.