A Pakistani teen couple, Ravi Kumar (17) and Shanti Bai (15), perished of thirst and dehydration after crossing the international border into India illegally near Jaisalmer. The bodies were found on Saturday in the Bhibhiyan desert, Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudhir Choudhary told the Sunday.
The couple, residents of Mirpur Mathelo in the Ghotki district of Sindh province, were married four months ago under an arrangement. They had submitted applications for visas in pursuit of a more secure and better life in India. But their efforts were turned down because of strained Indo-Pak relations, so they took the illegal route over the border.
Pakistani Couple Entered in Indian Illigally
Despite warnings from Kumar’s father and a disagreement just a week before, he and Shanti Bai proceeded with the plan. After crossing the international border, they became disoriented in the desert and eventually succumbed to the harsh conditions, officials said.
A photo from the spot revealed an empty jerry can lying next to Kumar’s face, depicting the agonizing pain they suffered before death. Officials suspect that the couple used it to transport water from Pakistan.
A post-mortem was carried out on Sunday by a medical board, confirming death due to dehydration.
Local Organizations Prepared to Carry Out Last Rites
Dilip Singh Sodha, a district coordinator of the Hindu Pakistani Displaced Union and Border People Organization, said local relatives are willing to conduct the last rites if the Indian government fails to return the bodies to Pakistan.
If the Indian government brings back the bodies, the families in Jaisalmer are ready to receive them. If the bodies are not brought to Pakistan, the families are willing to do the last rites as per Hindu traditions,” he said.
Security Agencies Probe Infiltration Aspect
Pakistani national identity cards were found with the bodies, which raised increased security alerts. SP Choudhary asserted that police and security agencies have started a detailed probe.
“The accident may indicate intrusion from the other side of the border or be part of some other criminal activity. Legal action is being undertaken as per the rules,” stated the SP.