The third edition of the annual Mughal Road Car Rally came to conclusion in Kishtwar, Srinagar, covering a total distance of approximately 600 km, passing through the picturesque and breath-taking scenic views of the Himalayas and the Mughal road.
The three day rally was flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir State Minister for Tourism, Culture and Home, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, from the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar and attracted a total of 67 participants this year. Famed Indian rally driver, Gaurav Gill, who was a part of this rally described the journey as adventurous and challenging, even for the pros. While Gill & co. were behind the wheels of a Mahindra SUV, the likes of Maruti and Tata and various other cars also participated in the rally.
Shamshir Hussain, senior superintendent of police (SSP) stated that the Mughal rally promoted adventure tourism in the border districts of J&K, which in turn helped to boost tourism in the area, while providing benefits to the locals.
Despit the numerous safeguards taken by the organisers, the treacherous terrain and hard driving saw a driver and his co-driver tragically losing their lives in the rally. Jatinder Shukla lost control of his vehicle near Simthan while on return leg of the Rally. The vehicle rolled into a deep gorge at Simthan in Anantnag district. Jatinder died on the spot while his navigator Ashish Mahajan was critically injured and shifted to a hospital immediately, where he breathed his last. As a mark of respect to Shukla and his navigator, the prize distribution ceremony of the rally was called off yesterday.
Car India mourns the loss of two of the sportsmen and extends their condolences to the families.
