Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: Bodies of Six Victims Airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh; Bengaluru Police Inspector Among Dead

November 1, 2026

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: The bodies of all six people killed in a helicopter crash near Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district were recovered and airlifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, on Sunday morning, November 1.

The victims included Arun Solanki, an inspector posted with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru, who had travelled to Badrinath with friends on a religious pilgrimage.

The rescue operation proved challenging as the crash site was located in a remote, rugged and high-altitude area. Joint teams comprising personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, the Forest Department and district administration reached the site after trekking through difficult mountain terrain from the Pandukeshwar side.

After recovering the bodies, rescue personnel carried the mortal remains approximately 12 kilometres on foot to the nearest road point. From there, the bodies were transported by helicopter to AIIMS Rishikesh. They will be handed over to the respective families following post-mortem examinations.

Bengaluru Police Inspector Among Six Victims

Bengaluru ASP Rajesh confirmed that Arun Solanki was among those killed in the crash. According to him, Solanki was on personal leave and had travelled to the Badrinath shrine with his friends to fulfil a religious vow.

Describing the incident, Rajesh said the group was returning when officials received information that the helicopter had gone missing. Around half an hour later, they were informed that the aircraft had crashed.

He added that officials were verifying the circumstances surrounding the accident and appreciated the support extended by the Uttarakhand administration.

Solanki’s father, Manohar Solanki, who belongs to Aigali village in Athani taluk of Karnataka’s Belagavi district, also reached Uttarakhand on Sunday.

Karnataka MP Shreshth Patel from Hassan said one of his relatives was among the victims and had travelled to Badrinath for the pilgrimage. He said he initially received information that the group was missing.

Karnataka Government to Arrange Transportation for Families

Bengaluru ASP Rajesh said Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had spoken with the MP and assured assistance with transportation arrangements.

According to Rajesh, the Karnataka government will arrange air transportation for the mortal remains of four victims, along with their family members.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families during the difficult time.

How the Helicopter Crash Happened

The helicopter, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, was travelling from Shri Badrinath Dham in Chamoli district to Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun when it went missing on October 30.

According to Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar, the helicopter took off from the Badrinath civil helipad at approximately 1:12 pm. Its radar transmission link was lost near Joshimath at around 1:14 pm.

The aircraft was carrying six people, including one pilot and five passengers. Following the loss of contact, two search teams comprising police, SDRF and Army personnel were deployed from Pandukeshwar and Joshimath to locate the missing helicopter.

The crash claimed the lives of all six people on board.