Family loses contact with newly wed couple visiting Srinagar

JAIPUR: Sixty-year-old Babu Lal Kumhar, a retired senior professor of orthopedics from R&T government medical college, Udaipur, and his wife Mohini had given a warm send off to their son and daughter-in-law who were heading to Srinagar for their honeymoon.The newly married couple, Abhishek (26) and Bhanupriya (24), was in constant touch with the family through phone calls since September 2 when they landed at a hotel in Srinagar but the family lost contact after September 5 when the state witnessed floods. Amid grim reports of deaths coming from J&K, the family is hopeful and is praying for the early return of the couple.Babu Lal, who retired from the college in August, is trying the phone number of the state control room and has even contacted the district collector, Udaipur, to know if they have any updates on his son and daughter-in-law."On September 5, when Abhishek and Bhanupriya called, both were shocked after seeing things happening around them. They told me that the hotel in which they were staying and Srinagar town had complete blackout. The hotel authorities somehow managed a one-time meal for them," said Kumhar while talking to TOI over phone from Udaipur on Tuesday.Kumhar further said, "My son told me that water has entered up to the first floor of the hotel while they were placed at the third floor of Hotel Comrade at Rajbagh area of Srinagar. After the evening of September 5, I have got no phone call and their numbers are switched off."He was of the view that the state government should send a team to trace stranded and trapped Rajasthanis. Kumhar added that he is in touch with the authorities of the district administration.Kumhar's family, comprising three other sons, three daughters-in-law and grandchildren, is praying for the safe return of Abhishek and his wife Bhanupriya."There is a possibility that they might be fully safe but due to the heavy damage to the telephone lines they are unable to call us. I am hopeful that they will return safely," Kumhar said in a choked voice.Abhishek who works with a private company as manager got married to Bhanupriya on June 6 this year.