A 42-year-old Hyderabad resident Anil Marla, who had already been a professional motorcycle racer and who was known for long distance rides, went missing 12 days after a tragic accident near Sumdo Mod 3 on the remote Darcha–Shinku La road in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district.
Rescue teams are searching for him as his family and other bikers try to find him.
The incident occurred on 19 July when Anil was on the high-altitude Himalayan route on his own motorcycle expedition. He had an accident going to the Sumdo Mod 3, a remote section of road connecting Darcha to the Shinku La Pass. He is currently untraceable although search is going on.
Authorities and local rescue teams and volunteers have been combing the rugged terrain for the missing rider. Deep gorges, riverbanks, steep mountain slopes and isolated parts of the Darcha–Shinku La road have complicated rescue efforts with difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Lahaul-Spiti is known for its spectacular landscapes but also dangerous roads, weather and poor communication networks. Search teams have been using drones where possible, working with local residents, travellers and border road workers to collect information about Anil.
Family members have appealed to authorities and the public to help in the search. Other motorcycle riders and adventure groups in India have also been posting photographs of Anil Marla and details of the incident on social media with a hope someone will see him or his motorcycle.
Police are reviewing available CCTV footage from checkpoints and nearby establishments and tracing Anil’s last known movements before the accident. Anyone who may have traveled on the Darcha–Shinku La route around July 19 or has any information about the missing rider should call the local police immediately.
The incident has once again put the risk of riding alone through the Himalayan highway in focus. Adventure experts suggest that high-altitude riders share live locations with family members and travel in groups, carry emergency communication devices and keep track of road and weather conditions before starting a journey.
Still hope remains that new leads will emerge as the search continues 12 days. Rescue teams continue to search inaccessible places in the area and the search for the missing Hyderabad motorcyclist will go on.
The disappearance of Anil Marla has quickly attracted the attention of the biking community. Support to his family and travel on the subject and any information which can be used to help in the search has been offered.
