Body of Missing Tripura Tourist Recovered from Dzukou Valley in Nagaland
In a tragic development, the body of a young tourist from Tripura who had been missing in the scenic Dzukou Valley of Kohima district since January 4 has been successfully recovered. Kohima police officially confirmed the recovery on Saturday, bringing closure to an intensive search operation that spanned several days.
Identification and Recovery Details
The deceased has been identified as Pranab Das, aged 22, son of Niranjan Das from Malaynagar, Nepali Tilla, under the Srinagar district of Tripura. According to an official release from the Kohima police Public Relations Officer, critical information was received around 4:20 PM on Friday regarding the presence of a body on the riverbank below the Dzukou Valley helipad.
A coordinated team comprising Kohima police personnel, district administration officials, members of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), and volunteers from nearby villages swiftly reached the location early Saturday morning. The team successfully recovered the body from the challenging terrain.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
During a thorough investigation conducted at the site in the presence of district officials and independent witnesses, several personal belongings were discovered that helped establish the identity of the deceased. These items included:
- A Dzukou Valley entry slip bearing Pranab Das's name
- Two mobile phones with mouthpieces
- A brown wallet containing cash
- Various identification documents
The body was carefully shifted with the assistance of SAYO volunteers and subsequently transported to the South Police Station in Kohima. Family members have been informed of the tragic discovery and have specifically requested that no post-mortem examination be conducted until their arrival in Kohima. The body is currently being preserved at the police station morgue, awaiting completion of necessary legal formalities.
Police Investigation and Search Operations
Kohima police have emphasized that it is premature to determine the exact cause of death at this stage. Preliminary observations and available evidence currently suggest no indication of foul play. The case was originally registered at South Police Station on January 6 following reports of Das's disappearance.
Investigations have revealed that Pranab Das checked into a homestay at Lerie Colony, Kohima, on January 2. He was last seen leaving the premises early on January 4. Records indicate he had booked an entry ticket to Dzukou Valley from the Viswema entry point on that same day.
Police have recorded detailed statements from multiple individuals including:
- The homestay caretaker
- The taxi driver who transported him
- Family members
- Other relevant witnesses
Comprehensive technical analysis has also been conducted, encompassing:
- Examination of call detail records
- Review of customer application forms
- Bank account verification
- Analysis of CCTV footage
Extensive Search and Rescue Efforts
Prior to the recovery, Kohima police, in close coordination with SAYO, the district administration, and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, conducted multiple intensive search and rescue operations throughout Dzukou Valley. These efforts included drone-assisted searches across difficult and inaccessible terrains, though initial attempts failed to locate the missing tourist.
The recovery brings to an end a distressing chapter for the family and highlights the challenges of search operations in Nagaland's rugged landscapes, while also demonstrating effective coordination between law enforcement and local community organizations.
