| Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy | | 6 months on, closure near, 31 missing victims to be declared dead | | SANJAY PANDITA
Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 30: Nearly six months after a devastating cloudburst and flash floods ravaged the remote Chashoti village of Machail tehsil in Kishtwar district, the 31 persons reported missing in the tragedy are likely to be officially declared dead, with authorities initiating DNA matching to establish their identities.
On Thursday, the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory (DFSL) forwarded the DNA profiling report of the relatives of the 31 missing pilgrims to the concerned investigating officer and the government.
During the massive post-disaster search operations, only mutilated bodies and severed body parts of some pilgrims were recovered, making identification impossible at the time.
The DNA report is expected to help formally identify the remains, enabling bereaved families to perform last rites and paving the way for financial assistance and other legal entitlements.
The tragedy occurred on August 14, 2025, when a cloudburst struck the Chandi Mata Temple route in Chashoti, claiming the lives of 68 devotees, while 31 others went missing.
Despite extensive search and rescue efforts, the missing pilgrims could not be traced. DNA samples for identification were collected on September 8 last year.
About three months ago, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Paddar, issued a public notice stating that the cloudburst had resulted in 31 persons being reported missing, who failed to turn up despite exhaustive search and rescue operations. The notice said that local police had thoroughly investigated the matter and followed every possible lead.
“After exhausting all reasonable avenues and conducting a detailed inquiry, the missing persons are now presumed to have passed away due to the calamity,” the notice stated. It further said that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Paddar had prepared a preliminary report confirming the disappearance of the 31 individuals, thereby initiating legal proceedings under provisions relating to the presumption of death.
In accordance with legal procedure, the SDM issued a 30-day public notice inviting objections or claims from legal heirs, government departments, institutions, or any other interested parties. “All submissions, claims, or objections must be filed with the competent authority within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. After the expiry of the stipulated period, necessary legal proceedings shall be initiated as per law,” the notice added.
The cloudburst and the subsequent flash floods had caused widespread devastation in Chashoti village, washing away houses, livestock, and critical infrastructure. Rescue operations were severely hampered by the treacherous terrain, damaged connectivity, and prolonged isolation of the area. Despite sustained efforts by the district administration, police, and disaster response teams, no survivors were found.
The formal presumption of death is now expected to clear the way for the affected families to claim compensation and initiate inheritance, insurance, and other statutory processes as per law. |
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