Family Finds Closure: Remains of Kerala Man Recovered After 56 Years from Air Force Crash

The remains of Thomas Cheriyan, a resident of Kerala, were finally recovered 56 years after an Indian Air Force aircraft crashed over the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. Cheriyan's family expressed mixed emotions of happiness and sadness, grateful for an opportunity to properly bid farewell to their beloved brother.

The remains of Thomas Cheriyan, a Kerala resident, were recently discovered, 56 years following the tragic crash of an Indian Air Force aircraft at the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. The aircraft, which vanished on February 7, 1968, was finally located thanks to a joint effort by the Dogra Scouts and Tiranga Mountain Rescue team.

Cheriyan's family, overwhelmed with mixed emotions, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to perform the last rites for their long-lost brother. His sister fondly recalled memories and lamented the lack of a photograph of him, hoping the Army might find one from old records.

The wreckage, initially discovered in 2003 by mountaineers, has since seen multiple recovery missions by the Indian Army. As of now, nine bodies have been recovered in the harsh conditions, bringing a sense of closure to families and the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)