The body of Nandan Suresh Nadkarni, a 44-year-old Indian national climber who had been missing since September 22 in Gunung Jasar, has been found and brought down at 11.20am, according to Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman.
Yahaya stated that the victim’s body was airlifted by a helicopter belonging to the Ipoh Air Operation Force (PGU) because efforts to carry the body manually were hindered by the difficult terrain.
“We discovered the victim’s body yesterday at 3.40pm near Pos Atap, at a stream that is approximately six kilometres away from the control post at the foothill of Gunung Jasar,” Yahaya said during a media conference on October 1.
He added, “The police investigation revealed that the victim lost his way in the jungle and accidentally crossed into Perak while descending from the peak of Gunung Jasar.”
Previously, a climber from India had been reported missing while hiking up Gunung Jasar in Cameron Highlands.
A search and rescue operation involving 101 officers and personnel from various agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, non-governmental organizations, mountain guides, and the Radio Communication and Recreation Club, was initiated.
The body has been handed over to Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital in Cameron Highlands for a post-mortem examination, Yahaya noted.
He stated, “The cause of death will be determined through the post-mortem. The victim’s friend, who has been present since the SAR operation began, has been notified to identify the body.”
On September 19, the victim, an actuary, checked into Hikers Sleep Port Guest House in Tanah Rata and was supposed to check out on September 24.
“According to our investigation, the victim informed his friend that he was hiking up Gunung Jasar, but he never returned to the hotel or checked out,” Yahaya shared.
The victim had decided to visit Cameron Highlands for the climb prior to attending a conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 25. Upon inspecting the victim’s accommodation, his personal items such as his passport, laptop, wallet, and clothes were found in his room, and it was confirmed that he had checked in alone, Yahaya revealed. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
