Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 30: Over two months after the devastating cloudburst and flash floods that wreaked havoc in the remote Chashoti village of Machail tehsil in Kishtwar district, the authorities have officially presumed all 31 missing persons dead and initiated the legal process to formalize the declaration.
According to a public notice issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Paddar, Dr. Amit Kumar, the decision follows exhaustive search and rescue operations conducted by local authorities and police teams, which failed to trace any of the missing individuals since the tragedy struck on September 14, 2025.
The SDM’s notice stated, “This is to bring to the attention of the general public that a tragic cloudburst struck Village Chashoti, Tehsil Machail, District Kishtwar, on 14.09.2025. In the aftermath of this natural disaster, 31 individuals have been reported missing and have not turned up despite extensive search and rescue operations. Local police authorities have looked into the matter thoroughly and followed up on every possible lead.”
It further added that after exhausting all reasonable avenues and conducting a detailed inquiry, the missing persons are now “presumed to have passed away due to the calamity.” The Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Paddar has already drawn up a preliminary report confirming the disappearance of the 31 individuals, paving the way for legal proceedings under the provisions concerning presumption of death.
In line with procedural requirements, the SDM has issued a 30-day public notice, calling upon all concerned parties — including legal heirs, government departments, institutions, or any other interested individuals — to submit objections or claims regarding the presumption of death.
“All submissions, claims, or objections must be filed with the relevant authorities within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. After the expiry of the stipulated period, necessary legal proceedings shall be initiated as per law,” the notice stated.
The tragic cloudburst and subsequent flash flood had caused massive destruction in Chashoti village, washing away houses, livestock, and infrastructure. Despite sustained rescue operations by the district administration, police, and disaster response teams, no survivors were found, and the area remained cut off for days due to difficult terrain and damaged connectivity.
The formal presumption of death now clears the way for the affected families to seek compensation and initiate inheritance and insurance-related procedures under law. |
