A heart-wrenching incident has unfolded in Himachal Pradeshs Bir Billing as two trekkers lost their lives during an outing. The discovery was made nearly 48 hours later, thanks to the loyalty of a German Shepherd dog that remained by their side, barking incessantly until help arrived.The deceased trekkers have been identified as Abhinandan Gupta, a 30-year-old hailing from Punjabs Pathankot, and Pranita Wala, a 26-year-old from Pune. While the exact cause of their demise is yet to be confirmed pending post-mortem reports, it appears they succumbed to injuries sustained from a fall during their trekking expedition.Bir Billing, nestled at an altitude of 5,000 feet, is renowned for its picturesque treks and paragliding adventures. Gupta, who had been residing in the area for four years, was deeply entrenched in paragliding and trekking pursuits. Wala, having recently arrived from Pune, eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the snow-clad terrain.According to authorities, the ill-fated trek commenced with a group of four individuals embarking on a journey in a car. However, when the vehicle could no longer navigate the treacherous terrain, they decided to continue on foot. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions prompted two members of the group to retreat to safety, while Gupta, Wala, and their faithful canine companion pressed forward.Concerned by their prolonged absence, the remaining members of the group alerted authorities, triggering a frantic search operation. Despite the challenging terrain, rescue teams persevered and eventually located the bodies three kilometers below the paragliding launch point.The treacherous terrain, exacerbated by recent snowfall, proved to be a formidable adversary as Gupta and Wala tragically slipped and fell. Their valiant efforts to regain their footing were thwarted by the unforgiving landscape, ultimately leading to their untimely demise.As the bodies were retrieved, the loyal German Shepherd stood vigil. Following autopsy procedures, the bodies were handed over to their grieving families.In light of this tragedy, senior police officer Veer Bahadur issued a solemn reminder to tourists venturing into the region. He emphasized the importance of local guidance and cautioned against underestimating the unpredictable nature of the weather. With heavy snowfall and erratic weather conditions prevailing, he urged tourists to exercise caution and prioritize safety above all else.
