Hindu girl, boy from Pak found dead in Jaisalmer; may have starved in extreme heat

A Hindu girl and a man from Pakistan were found dead around 10 to 12 kilometres from the International Border on the Indian side in Sadhewala sector in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer.

According to sources, the two are believed to have died from starvation and dehydration about four to five days ago, amid the extreme heat and harsh desert conditions. Their remains were found on a sand dune near Gajesingh village by a shepherd, who informed the Tanot police station.

Police officials recovered identification documents and mobile SIM cards from the deceased, through which they were identified as Ravi Kumar (17) and Shanti (14), both reportedly Pakistani nationals.

After reaching the spot where the bodies were found, Tanot Police informed the Border Security Force (BSF), who took custody of the dead bodies and sent them for post-mortem. Both the bodies have been kept at Ramgarh mortuary.

Officials said that the actual cause of their death will only be known after the autopsy report is out. It is also not clear whether they died while making their way into India from Pakistan or whether they were already living in India.

Sources also said that they might have been in a relationship and fled Pakistan given the present condition of Hindus there.

BSF Inspector General ML Garg said, "We have conducted a search operation in the entire border area but no evidence or footprints have been found of any entry from Pakistan onto the Indian border. We are also contacting the Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO) and asking them for information about the two. The BSF is conducting a thorough investigation in its capacity".

Superintendent of Police (SP) Tanot, Sudhir Chaudhary, "Pakistani SIM cards found with them are being investigated by the forensic team. No information has been received yet as to how the Pakistani couple reached near the border. The police is conducting a thorough investigation of the matter".

"The bodies look four to five days old. We have launched further investigation into the matter," he added.

- Ends

With inputs by Vimal Bhatia