City physio dies while paragliding in Manali

Hyderabad: A joyride proved fatal for a city-based physiotherapist who had gone on a paragliding trip in Manali in Himachal Pradesh’s Kulu district. Dr Ch Chandra Shekar Reddy, 24, of Srikara Hospital had taken the trip though paragliding is banned during the monsoon, in Shanag village which is 6 km from Manali.

Paraglider pilot Joginder, 27, reportedly lost control when the parachute wires got cut off and Reddy fell and died on Saturday afternoon. Joginder received serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Reddy, employed at Srikara Hospitals’ ECIL unit, was a resident of Mohannagar in Nagole. His family members said he had gone on a trip to north India with his two friends four days ago. “On Saturday morning we spoke to him but in the afternoon one of his friends called and informed us about the mishap,” said his sister.

One of Reddy’s friends said he had fallen and hit ground very fast.

Speaking to this newspaper over phone, inspector Mohan Lal of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, said, the pilot and Reddy fell down due to a technical issue. “The tourist died and the pilot was grievously injured and rushed to hospital where he is undergoing treatment,” the inspector said.

Asked about the restrictions on paragliding, Mr Lal said, “Though paragliding is banned during the monsoon, some people still do it illegally. We are going to take legal action against them.”

He said how the accident occurred was not clear.

“We have booked a case and further investigation is underway.”

Speaking to this newspaper, physiotherapy department K. Bharadwaj said Reddy had completed his physiotherapy course from Sree Ratna College of Physiotherapy, Uppal.

The vehicle is owned by one Budhi Singh  of Shanag village. He and the pilot were booked by the Kulu police who said adventure activities including paragliding are prohibited from July 15 to September 15.