Decomposed body of missing tourist found in Meghalaya forest

Shillong: The decomposed body of a missing Hungarian tourist, Zolt Puskas, was discovered on Thursday afternoon in a remote forest area near Ramdait village in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district. Puskas had been missing for nearly two weeks, and his death has sparked concerns about tourist safety in the region's rugged terrains.

According to senior police officials, the 41-year-old traveller had arrived in Shillong on March 29 and checked into a local hotel. By 9 am the same day, he had checked out and taken a taxi to Sohra (formerly Cherrapunji), a town known for its natural wonders and trekking trails. The taxi reportedly dropped him at Mawsahew village, from where he set off alone with only a backpack, bound for Nongriat village—home to the famed double-decker living root bridge.

Puskas, however, did not make it to his destination. When he failed to respond to messages or return, the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi filed a missing person report on March 29. An official FIR was registered on April 2, after which a coordinated search and rescue operation was launched involving local villagers, police personnel, and members of civil society organisations.

Despite challenging conditions, search teams scoured the forested trails leading from Mawsahew through Mawkawir to Nongriat. The terrain in this region is known for its steep slopes, dense vegetation, and slippery footpaths—particularly hazardous during or after rainfall. On April 11, nearly two weeks after Puskas was last seen, his body was located in a severely decomposed state in the Ramdait area, just off the hiking trail.

Preliminary police assessments suggest that the tourist may have accidentally slipped and fallen while navigating the forest path alone. Officials noted that the absence of a guide and the difficulty of the terrain may have contributed to the tragedy. Personal belongings recovered at the scene, including his backpack and identification documents, confirmed the victim’s identity.

Law enforcement authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death, though foul play is not suspected at this stage. The local administration has informed the Hungarian Embassy, and procedures are underway to repatriate the remains.

This incident has renewed calls for improved safety measures for solo trekkers in the region. Local guides and tourism operators are urging visitors to avoid venturing into remote areas without proper guidance, especially in unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environments.

The double-decker root bridge at Nongriat is one of Meghalaya’s most iconic natural attractions, drawing tourists from around the world. However, the incident has highlighted the need for better signage, emergency communication systems, and stronger advisories for foreign travellers who may be unfamiliar with the region’s topography and climate.

Authorities are expected to review existing tourism safety protocols in the wake of Puskas's death.