An Indian Air Force An-12 flying over the Himalayas. (Photo: IAF Archives)
New Delhi: In a remarkable breakthrough, the mortal remains of four more victims from the 1968 Indian Air Force Antonov-12 aircraft crash over Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh have been recovered, 56 years after the tragic incident. This marks a significant development in one of India’s longest-running search and recovery operations.
The remains were discovered by a joint team comprising personnel from the Dogra Scouts of the Indian Army and the Tiranga Mountain Rescue as part of the ongoing Chandra Bhaga mountain expedition.
The ill-fated An-12 aircraft went missing on February 7, 1968, while on a flight from Chandigarh to Leh. It was carrying 102 personnel, including IAF officers, soldiers, and civilians. After encountering severe weather conditions near Rohtang Pass, the aircraft lost contact and vanished in the harsh, snowbound terrain. For decades, the wreckage remained hidden until 2003, when mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering stumbled upon parts of the plane, igniting a series of recovery missions.
Since the discovery, the Dogra Scouts have led several expeditions in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019 to recover the remains of those who perished. By 2019, only five bodies had been retrieved, primarily due to the treacherous conditions and high-altitude challenges of the region. However, the Chandra Bhaga mountain expedition of 2024 has made further progress, recovering four more sets of remains.
The recently recovered victims include Malkhan Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh, and Aircraftsman Thomas Charan.
Malkhan Singh was identified through documents found in his clothing, while Sepoy Narayan Singh, from Uttarakhand, was identified by his paybook. Craftsman Thomas Charan was from Kerala, and his remains were identified similarly through official documents. The fourth set of remains is yet to be conclusively identified, but the next of kin has been traced, offering a long-awaited closure for the family.
This discovery brings new hope to the families who have waited for more than half a century to recover their loved ones. The ongoing search continues to be one of perseverance and dedication. The Dogra Scouts, renowned for their expertise in high-altitude operations, have been instrumental in overcoming the unforgiving terrain to carry out this mission.
The recovery is viewed as a major milestone in bringing closure to the families of the fallen. The recovery efforts will remain etched in the annals of history, demonstrating the enduring spirit of sacrifice and determination by the nation’s armed forces.
The Chandra Bhaga mountain expedition is set to continue until mid-October, and the search for the remaining victims remains a top priority for the Indian Army and the rescue teams involved.
