Dharwad : A 45-year-old software engineer from Dharwad, who was returning from the Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage with an Isha Foundation group, has been reported missing in Nepal following flash floods that disrupted the yatra route.
Rakesh Naik, originally from Dharwad and currently working in Australia, arrived in Delhi on Aug 10 to join a 71-member Isha Foundation team for the pilgrimage to Kailash-Manasarovar. Rakesh was said to be in touch with his family in Melbourne, Australia, until Aug 25 evening. “We have been informed by the Central govt that all 71 members of the Isha Foundation team are safe.
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Rakesh’s father Shivaprakash Naik, a retired railway officer residing at Shivagiri here, said the family has been anxiously awaiting the news of his son. We are hopeful Rakesh will contact us soon,” he said. Dharwad DC Snehal R said the district administration is coordinating with the Central govt and other agencies to establish contact with the missing pilgrims and monitor the situation closely.
After completing the pilgrimage, the group began its return journey through Nepal. However, they have been unable to contact him after floods and landslides hit parts of Nepal. Union minister Pralhad Joshi also assured us that efforts are being made to establish contact with the pilgrims. Download the TOI App.