The family of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a resident of San Jose who disappeared during a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, has appealed to the Indian government for assistance in obtaining more information about his whereabouts.
Patil’s maternal uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari has been coordinating with the Indian consulate in Seattle, providing them with Siddhant’s last known location data from his Apple watch and mobile phone.Despite this, the consulate has said that Patil is “presumed to be dead,” leaving the family in shock.
ANI reported that Chaudhari has requested a thorough investigation into the case but is yet to receive a response from the embassy. He has sought help from an NGO worker and has urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and discuss the matter with the US government as the family remains hopeful that Siddhant is still alive.
Siddhant’s employers at Cadence Design Systems in San Jose are also pushing for the US Congress representative to follow up on the case, but the Indian consulate is the only authority that can initiate action.
The Indian embassy has informed Chaudhari that they are unable to take further steps at present due to high water levels in the area, which may take weeks or months to recede. They are currently scanning the area using drones.
In its most recent update on July 8, the Indian Consulate in Seattle said, “Consulate is in touch with the office of Governor of Montana on this matter and following up regularly. While a search operation was conducted yesterday, another round of search and rescue is again underway today by the National Park Rangers. The consulate is keeping the friends and family of Siddhant V Patil updated on this matter.”
Reports suggest that Siddhant had been visiting Avalanche Creek with friends when he likely lost his balance on a large rock, slipped, and fell into the water. He briefly resurfaced before being carried away by the current and swept into the gorge.
Patil’s maternal uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari has been coordinating with the Indian consulate in Seattle, providing them with Siddhant’s last known location data from his Apple watch and mobile phone.Despite this, the consulate has said that Patil is “presumed to be dead,” leaving the family in shock.
ANI reported that Chaudhari has requested a thorough investigation into the case but is yet to receive a response from the embassy. He has sought help from an NGO worker and has urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and discuss the matter with the US government as the family remains hopeful that Siddhant is still alive.
Siddhant’s employers at Cadence Design Systems in San Jose are also pushing for the US Congress representative to follow up on the case, but the Indian consulate is the only authority that can initiate action.
The Indian embassy has informed Chaudhari that they are unable to take further steps at present due to high water levels in the area, which may take weeks or months to recede. They are currently scanning the area using drones.
In its most recent update on July 8, the Indian Consulate in Seattle said, “Consulate is in touch with the office of Governor of Montana on this matter and following up regularly. While a search operation was conducted yesterday, another round of search and rescue is again underway today by the National Park Rangers. The consulate is keeping the friends and family of Siddhant V Patil updated on this matter.”
Reports suggest that Siddhant had been visiting Avalanche Creek with friends when he likely lost his balance on a large rock, slipped, and fell into the water. He briefly resurfaced before being carried away by the current and swept into the gorge.