Pathanamthitta: The Indian Army has informed relatives that the remains of a missing Malayali soldier have been found, 56 years after he disappeared. The body of Thomas Cheriyan, a native of Pathanamthitta, was discovered in a snow mountain, following the crash of an IAF AN-12 aircraft near the Rohtang Pass on February 7, 1968, shortly after taking off from Chandigarh with 102 passengers on board. At the time of his death, Thomas Cheriyan was only 22 years old. While nine bodies were recovered from the crash site, the remains of the others had been lost in the snow-covered terrain for decades.
In 2003, remnants of the aircraft were discovered during an expedition by the ABV Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali. The remains of a body found were later identified as belonging to sepoy Beli Ram, who was also on the aircraft.
Subsequent search missions by the Indian Army in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019 involved continuous efforts by Dogra Scouts. Recently, during an expedition in the Chandra Bhaga mountains, Thomas Cheriyan’s remains, along with four other bodies, were recovered.
Relatives say that Thomas Cheriyan’s accident occurred while he was on his way to his posting after training. The Army had previously informed that searches were ongoing, but it is only now that they have confirmed the recovery of body parts. In 2019, five bodies were also found in a similar operation.
Details of the mission have been provided to the Defense Minister. Preparations are reportedly underway to bring Thomas Cheriyan’s remains back home, and the family is expected to receive the final notification today.
