DEHRADUN: Skeletal remains discovered near Chorabari Tal, a glacial lake about 3 km above Kedarnath temple, are suspected to be those of a Telangana youth who went missing during a solo trek in August 2024, officials said on Wednesday.
Local youths exploring the glacier area found bones scattered among rocks, along with a decomposed bag, a mobile phone, and an identity card belonging to 24-year-old Nomula Rishwanth, a third-year BTech student at Lovely University in Jalandhar.
Police said Rishwanth, a native of Rajeshwaraopet village in Telangana’s Jagtial district, had last been seen in August last year when he left for college after visiting his family. His father later lodged a missing complaint after he failed to reach campus or respond to calls.
“We have informed the family, and his parents are expected to arrive in Kedarnath on Thursday to identify the belongings,” said Kedarnath inspector Rajeev Chauhan, adding that local police had not previously been alerted about the missing case.
In Hyderabad, Ibrahimpatnam police confirmed that Rishwanth’s last phone signal was traced to Uttarakhand but no further leads were found. “We have advised the family to opt for DNA testing, as identity cannot be confirmed on the basis of an ID card alone,” circle inspector Anil told TOI.
The remains and belongings have been sent to Rudraprayag district hospital for forensic examination. Officials said DNA analysis would be necessary before any conclusive identification can be made.
