RUDRAPRAYAG, April 23 -- A 69-year-old pilgrim from Gujarat died of cardiac arrest in Kedarnath but his body remained stranded for over five hours before his family was forced to pay Rs 65,000 to a private helicopter operator for transport.
Dilip Bhai Mannu Mali from Vadodara collapsed near the White House area at 6.30 am Wednesday, just moments before the temple gates opened.
His son, Hemant Bhai Mali, said his father was declared dead at the Kedarnath Primary Health Centre at 7.30 am after losing consciousness during the trek for darshan.
The family alleged they were left stranded for hours despite pleas to the local administration.
"We requested the district magistrate for a helicopter, but no arrangement was made until 1 pm despite ...