'Like angels in Ralam': ECI Chief Rajiv Kumar narrates how villagers came to his rescue in Uttarakhand

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has expressed his gratitude to local villagers and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for their lifesaving efforts during his recent rescue from the remote Ralam village in Pithoragarh district, where he was stranded at over 12,000 feet.

Kumar found himself in a precarious situation after his helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing due to severe weather conditions.

Along with two other election officials and the pilot, he was left without food or proper shelter in the high Himalayan village, which is usually deserted during winter.


Despite the harsh circumstances, three brave villagers—Ishwar Singh Nabiyal, Surendra Kumar, and Bhupendra Singh Dhakriyal—trekked over 38 kilometers through treacherous terrain to reach him.

They arrived around 1:00 AM, providing warm noodles and essential supplies to the stranded group after navigating extreme conditions.

In a heartfelt letter to Uttarakhand's Chief Electoral Officer, BVRC Purushottam, Kumar praised the villagers' selfless actions, likening their timely assistance to a well-known adage:

"There's a saying, 'a drowning man will clutch at a straw.' This was true for us when the three-member group arrived like angels in Ralam. They even had a loyal dog with them, acting as a fourth layer of protection."

Kumar explained the importance of local involvement in disaster management, expressing hope that their example would inspire future policies.

"All the young angels became synonymous with the highest ideals of humanity and made this day an unforgettable memory, saving the lives of all of us," he wrote.

Furthermore, Kumar thanked the ITBP and the Dharchula rescue team for their crucial support during the operation. "I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and wish you a healthy and long life," he stated.

The incident unfolded last Wednesday, shortly after Kumar announced elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

He, along with Uttarakhand’s additional chief electoral officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande, was en route to inspect high-altitude polling stations when the emergency landing occurred. Kumar was initially aided by a trekker who provided food and warmth in an abandoned house before being rescued after 17 hours.

(With inputs from TOI)