Bank staff dies during illegal trek on Annamalai hills

According to police, Anandaraj (42) a native of neighbouring Villupuram and residing at Idukipillayar Koil fourth street in Tiruvannamalai town worked as a cashier in a nationalised bank in the town. His son Karthik (13) was a member of a private skating academy on the Tiruvannamalai–Vellore road. Skating school staff lead a group of 13 persons including a girl on a trek to the Annamalai hill and Anandaraj also joined the group and participated in the climb.

However, after climbing to the top he developed breathlessness, chest pain and swooned following which Karthik informed his mother (Anandaraj’s wife) about his father’s plight. She immediately contacted Tiruvannamalai town police and informed them. 

Meanwhile, Anandaraj died atop the hill. There were also rumours that he died after he slipped on a rock on the hilltop.

Then police accompanied by fire and rescue services personnel forest department staff and locals climbed the hill and brought down the body and sent it to the Tiruvannamalai government medical college hospital for post mortem.

Tiruvannamalai town police registered a case and are investigating. Meanwhile, all those involved in the illegal trek are now absconding, officials revealed.

Trekking atop the hills has been banned by the forest department. It may be recalled that a year ago, a Chinese national who ascended the hill sans permission to meditate lost his way and had to be brought down by police personnel.