A religious pilgrimage to the sacred and tourist destination of BadiMalika turned tragic on Sunday after one pilgrim died during the journey. The deceased has been identified as 55-year-old Bishworaj Panthi, a resident of Bhairahawa and currently serving as an Accounts Officer at the National Vigilance Centre in Kathmandu, according to District Police Office spokesperson and Inspector Naresh Bahadur Shahi.
Sudden Collapse in Khare Forest Area
Police said that Panthi became suddenly unconscious while trekking through the Khare forest area during the pilgrimage to BadiMalika. Fellow members of the pilgrimage group immediately rushed him to the District Hospital Bajura for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Authorities suspect that altitude-related illness may have caused the sudden collapse during the uphill journey.
Officials and Colleagues in the Pilgrimage Group
According to police, Panthi was traveling with a group of officials from the National Vigilance Centre, including Deputy Secretary Shivahari Neupane, Section Officer Jeevan Ghimire, and Accountant Umesh Sharma.
Among the four-member group, Panthi was the only one who became critically ill and lost consciousness during the journey, leading to the tragic incident. Inspector Shahi confirmed that despite immediate efforts by fellow pilgrims to rescue him, medical personnel could not revive him at the hospital.
Investigation and Further Details
Authorities have stated that further details regarding the cause of death will be confirmed after additional medical assessment. The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing pilgrimage to one of Nepal’s most revered religious destinations.
The BadiMalika region, known for its high-altitude terrain and challenging trekking conditions, attracts hundreds of pilgrims each year despite its difficult access routes.
