Nainital – A Class 12 student from Rudrapur, who went missing during a trekking trip to China Peak, was rescued on Wednesday after an intense 17-hour search operation involving over 100 personnel from multiple departments. The incident triggered panic among his friends and family after they were unable to trace him late Tuesday evening.
According to police, 18-year-old Jays Karki from Awas Vikas Colony had arrived in Nainital on Tuesday with five friends. The group split into two teams—Jays and one friend went towards China Peak, while the remaining four trekked towards Camel’s Back. While returning from China Peak in the evening, Jays walked ahead with earphones on and got separated from his companion, who later reached the entry gate and waited for him. When Jays did not return even by 6 PM, his friend went back uphill to search but found no trace.
Unable to locate him in the dark, the friend reached the main road and immediately informed police through 112. The disappearance prompted a large overnight search involving teams from Kotwali Nainital, Tallital Police Station, SDRF, Fire Department and forest personnel. Search teams combed the steep forest trails through the night but were unable to find him due to poor visibility and difficult terrain.
At sunrise on Wednesday, additional teams from PAC and the Forest Department joined the operation, raising the manpower to more than 100 responders. The combined force launched a coordinated sweep across China Peak, Camel’s Back and adjoining forest areas.
After nearly 17 hours of continuous search, teams finally spotted Jays deep inside the forest, injured and dehydrated. Rescuers immediately stabilised him and transported him to BD Pandey Hospital. Following primary treatment, his family took him to a higher centre for surgery and advanced care. Police said earphones prevented him from hearing calls from his friends, causing him to wander off the trail in the dense forest.
Officials have urged tourists to avoid trekking after evening hours, stay in groups and refrain from using earphones while walking in forest areas. They also noted that several recent cases involve individuals losing their way due to distraction or moving ahead alone.
