Assam: All 23 missing forest officials return safely after three days stranded in Dima Hasao forest

All 23 forest officials of the Maibang Forest Division, who had gone missing during a patrol in the dense forests of Assam's Dima Hasao district, returned safely on Sunday, July 26 morning after spending three nights inside the wilderness.

According to the officials, the patrol team lost mobile network connectivity while carrying out their routine duties, leaving them unable to establish contact with the Forest Department. The absence of communication, coupled with poor connectivity in the remote forest area, caused the team to lose their way and remain stranded for nearly three days.

The officials said they survived by consuming the rice they had carried for the patrol and banana tree pith available inside the forest until they were located.

A coordinated search operation involving the Dima Hasao Police, the Assam Rifles and the Forest Department was launched after the team failed to return as scheduled. The joint operation successfully traced all 23 officials and escorted them to safety.

Following their return, the officials were taken to Langting Model Hospital, where they underwent first aid and medical examinations. Authorities said all members of the team were safe.

Speaking to the media after their rescue, the ranger who led the patrol attributed the incident to the lack of mobile network coverage in the remote forest area, which prevented the team from communicating with the department after they lost their bearings.

The officials also highlighted operational challenges faced during forest patrols in Dima Hasao, pointing to the absence of essential equipment such as GPS trackers and other modern navigation tools. They further stated that the district does not have a dedicated Forest Battalion, making patrolling, search operations and emergency response in its vast and difficult terrain significantly more challenging.