Kullu Tourism Officer Sunaina Sharma said investigations suggested that a "human error" led to the unfortunate accident.
(Representational image/Creative Commons)
A tourist from Telangana’s Sangareddy district died in a paragliding accident on Sunday, 12 February, in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, the police have said.
The 26-year-old woman, identified as T Navya from Telangana, passed away in the paragliding accident at the Dobhi site in Kullu. Her body has reportedly been returned to her family for final rites.
Kullu Tourism Officer Sunaina Sharma said investigations suggested that a “human error” led to the unfortunate accident. She, however, also said the site and equipment were approved, the pilot was registered, and there were no weather-related issues.
Paragliding activities have been suspended in the area, she added.
Rajender Thakur, an official associated with the Patlikuhal Police Station said, “The unfortunate incident occurred around 2 pm on Sunday. T Navya lost her life in a paragliding accident at Dobhi.”
He added: “Her husband T Sai Mohan filed the FIR. Both were private firm employees visiting Kullu with their colleagues.”
The report from the preliminary post-mortem examination — conducted at the Regional Hospital in Kullu — indicated that her death resulted from a fall. The improper securing of the seat belt is said to have led to the incident.
“Consequently, we filed charges against the pilot in command (PIC) Rahul Singh, and the owner of Rivyansh Adventures, Ganshyam Singh, under Sections 336 (endangering life or personal safety) and 304-A (death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code,” said Thakur.
“T Navya’s body has been handed over to her husband. Investigations are ongoing, and paragliding activities at Dobhi have been temporarily suspended,” he added.
The couple had booked the paragliding ride with Rivyansh Adventures on Sunday and visited Dobhi to experience the activity.
When South First approached the Sangareddy police for information on the incident, there was no response. The husband and the family members also did not respond to South First.
Meanwhile, a passionate mountaineer hailing from Telangana told South First on condition of anonymity: “There are two places in Himachal Pradesh where questions have been raised over the awareness to information to such air adventures.
He added: “There are also several non-licensed adventure agencies. And given this incident, the equipment also comes under question because individuals are not allowed to paraglide without proper jackets. Was equipment being checked continuously?”
The mountaineer continued: “Dobhi is a government side. Hence, there is also a cloud of doubt over what action the government will take.”
He also said: “This is not the first death from Hyderabad. Such incidents should be probed so they are not repeated further.”
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 25, 2024
Jul 25, 2024
Jul 25, 2024
