In a tragic incident on Mount Everest, two Indian climbers Arun from Hyderabad and Sandeep Tiwari from Bengaluru lost their lives while descending from the world’s highest peak after successfully completing the summit.
The deaths have left their families, friends, and the mountaineering community in deep shock. Relatives and friends are now appealing to the Union Government, as well as the Telangana and Karnataka state governments, to extend financial and logistical support for bringing the bodies back to India.
Speaking to the media, close friend and fellow mountaineer Jaisimha Goud recalled the duo’s passion for climbing and the emotional significance of the Everest expedition for Sandeep Tiwari.
“My two friends, Sandeep Tiwari and Arun, lost their lives on Mount Everest after completing the summit. Sandeep had a dream of dedicating the achievement to his father, who always wished to see him conquer Everest,” he said.
According to Goud, Sandeep funded the expedition with his own savings despite coming from a financially struggling family. Before leaving for Everest, he had reportedly planned to hold a press conference after his return to dedicate the feat to his father.
Goud further stated that Sandeep lost his glasses during the descent, which is believed to have contributed to the fatal tragedy in the harsh conditions of the mountain.
“I travelled to many mountains with them. Remembering those journeys is heartbreaking now,” he added emotionally.
The families of the deceased climbers are urging authorities to intervene immediately and help expedite the repatriation process so the last rites can be performed in their hometowns.
