A tragic case of desperation and lost hope has unfolded in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, where an underage couple from Pakistan died of suspected dehydration after illegally crossing the India-Pakistan border through the Thar desert.
The bodies of Ravi Kumar (17) and Shanti Bai (15) were recovered on Saturday in the Bhibhiyan desert, according to officials.
The two had recently married in their hometown of Mirpur Mathelo in Pakistan’s Ghotki district and were reportedly attempting to start a new life in India after their visa requests were rejected.
Visual evidence from the scene, officials said, pointed to severe dehydration — with a dry, empty jerry can placed on Kumar’s face, indicating the extreme thirst they likely endured in their final hours.
Journey of desperation ends in desert
Local police said the couple had applied for legal entry into India but were denied visas due to strained diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. Undeterred, they crossed the border on foot around a week ago, but are believed to have lost their way in the desert’s harsh terrain.
Despite warnings from family, Kumar had reportedly insisted on proceeding with the journey. The couple carried only a limited supply of water, and officials believe they succumbed to the blistering heat and lack of hydration while trying to navigate the desert.
A post-mortem was conducted by a medical board on Sunday to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities begin investigation; families offer to conduct last rites
Officials said that Pakistani national identity cards were recovered from the scene, prompting increased security scrutiny.
Law enforcement agencies are treating the case seriously, with multiple security units investigating potential border breaches or illegal infiltration. Legal procedures are being followed as per protocol.
Meanwhile, Dilip Singh Sodha, who represents the Hindu Pakistani Displaced Union and Border People Organization, said that if the Indian government chooses not to return the bodies to Pakistan, relatives of the deceased in Jaisalmer are ready to perform their last rites according to Hindu customs.
(With inputs from ToI)
The bodies of Ravi Kumar (17) and Shanti Bai (15) were recovered on Saturday in the Bhibhiyan desert, according to officials.
The two had recently married in their hometown of Mirpur Mathelo in Pakistan’s Ghotki district and were reportedly attempting to start a new life in India after their visa requests were rejected.
Visual evidence from the scene, officials said, pointed to severe dehydration — with a dry, empty jerry can placed on Kumar’s face, indicating the extreme thirst they likely endured in their final hours.
Journey of desperation ends in desert
Local police said the couple had applied for legal entry into India but were denied visas due to strained diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. Undeterred, they crossed the border on foot around a week ago, but are believed to have lost their way in the desert’s harsh terrain.
Despite warnings from family, Kumar had reportedly insisted on proceeding with the journey. The couple carried only a limited supply of water, and officials believe they succumbed to the blistering heat and lack of hydration while trying to navigate the desert.
A post-mortem was conducted by a medical board on Sunday to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities begin investigation; families offer to conduct last rites
Officials said that Pakistani national identity cards were recovered from the scene, prompting increased security scrutiny.
Law enforcement agencies are treating the case seriously, with multiple security units investigating potential border breaches or illegal infiltration. Legal procedures are being followed as per protocol.
Meanwhile, Dilip Singh Sodha, who represents the Hindu Pakistani Displaced Union and Border People Organization, said that if the Indian government chooses not to return the bodies to Pakistan, relatives of the deceased in Jaisalmer are ready to perform their last rites according to Hindu customs.
(With inputs from ToI)
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