The pet dog remained beside its dead owner for four days in extreme weather, refusing to abandon him despite heavy snowfall and biting cold.
Shimla (Himachal): A pit bull has captured attention after being found standing guard over the bodies of two teenage boys who died after getting trapped in heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. The boys had ventured into a high-altitude area to film social media reels, despite an adverse weather alert in force from January 22 to 26.
The pet dog remained beside its dead owner for four days in extreme weather, refusing to abandon him despite heavy snowfall and biting cold. Rescuers said the dog initially reacted aggressively when they approached, apparently believing that the strangers posed a threat to its owner. After sustained efforts to calm and reassure the animal, it eventually stepped aside, allowing the team to recover the body.
Also Read
According to a Times of India report, the incident occurred on January 22, when 19-year-old Biksit Rana travelled to the Barmani Temple along with his 13-year-old relative Ayush. After visiting the temple, the two moved further into the upper reaches of the range, an area considered particularly hazardous following fresh snowfall.
Weather conditions deteriorated overnight, with heavy snow and sharply reduced visibility. When the pair failed to return home by the morning of January 23, their families reportedly alerted the administration.
A rescue operation involving police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, trained mountaineers and local volunteers was launched, but efforts were repeatedly hampered by fresh snowfall and another yellow alert issued the same day.
Also Read | Snow chaos in Himachal Pradesh: 565 roads shut, power hit, Manali hotels fully booked | WATCH
During this period, Biksit managed to contact his family by phone but was unable to share his location. He told them that Ayush was in a weak state and that he was trying to bring him back using a sleeping bag.
Operations gathered pace on January 25 after the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed two helicopters alongside SDRF teams, flying multiple sorties in difficult terrain and adverse weather.
Published: 27 Jan 2026, 09:41 pm IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.