Kohima: Kohima Police on Friday confirmed the recovery of the body of Pranab Das, a 22-year-old youth from Malaynagar, Nepali Tilla under Srinagar Police Station in West Tripura district. The police had earlier reported him missing.
The recovery marks a major development in South Police Station Case No. 0005/26 under Section 140(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The family lodged the missing complaint at South Police Station, Kohima, on January 6, 2026. Pranab Das had arrived in Kohima on January 2. He was last seen staying at a homestay in Lerie Colony. Following a preliminary enquiry, the police registered a formal case and launched an investigation.
During the probe, investigators found that Das had checked into the homestay on January 2. He was last seen leaving the premises early on January 4. Records further showed that he had booked an entry ticket to Dzukou Valley through the Viswema entry point on the same day.
Meanwhile, police recorded statements from the homestay caretaker, taxi driver, family members and other witnesses. They also carried out technical analysis of call detail records, bank transactions and CCTV footage from nearby areas.
Subsequently, Kohima Police coordinated multiple search and rescue operations. They worked in close collaboration with the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), the district administration and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). Teams also used drones to scan the difficult terrain of Dzukou Valley. However, the initial search efforts did not yield any results.
On February 6, the police received information about a body lying on the riverbank below the Dzukou Valley helipad. Acting on the input, a joint team of police personnel, district officials, SAYO members and local volunteers reached the spot in the early hours of February 7. The team recovered the body from the site.
Officials conducted an inquest at the spot in the presence of district administration officials and independent witnesses. The police found personal belongings with the deceased. These included a Dzukou Valley entry slip in the name of Pranab Das, two mobile phones, a brown wallet containing cash and identification documents. Based on these items, the police confirmed the identity of the deceased.
After the recovery, volunteers of SAYO assisted in bringing the body out of the valley. An ambulance later shifted the body to the police station. The police informed the family about the recovery. The relatives have requested the authorities not to conduct a post-mortem examination until they arrive in Kohima. At present, the police have kept the body at the police station morgue pending further legal procedures.
Meanwhile, the police said it is too early to ascertain the exact cause of death. However, preliminary findings and available evidence do not indicate any foul play.
Kohima Police expressed gratitude to SAYO, local volunteers, the district administration and NSDMA. They acknowledged the collective effort in the prolonged search and recovery operation.
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