4 days after Everester goes missing, Kol top cop's security guard summits peak
Kolkata: West Bengal Police constable Lakshmikanta Mandal on Monday reached the summit of Mount Everest, along with Chhonzin Angmo, a visually impaired climber from Nepal. Mandal, who is Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma's personal security guard, is the fourth climber from Bengal to reach the summit of Mount Everest in the past four days.
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The last three summits were made on May 15, when one of them, a climber from Ranaghat, went missing.
"The team with Mandal and Angmo left Camp IV on Sunday night and reached the summit around 8.30 am on Monday. The skies were clear but there were biting winds," said an official of Pioneer Adventures over the phone.
According to sources, the team descended to Camp IV by the afternoon and rested there. Both climbers are in good health and are likely to start descending to Camp II on Tuesday.
"He climbed with Tenzing Sherpa. Their story is more than a climb. It is a powerful reminder that no barrier is too big when the human spirit leads the way," Pioneer Adventures posted on its Facebook page after announcing the successful summits.
According to sources, Mandal plans to climb Mount Lhotse next.
Mandal is a constable with the 3rd battalion of the State Armed Police. He started rigorous training over the past few years after he climbed Pinnacle Peak in Ladakh (6,930 metres).
"He completed basic and advanced courses in search-and-rescue and started climbing mountains higher than 6,000 m. He went to Ladakh to climb Pinnacle Peak with us. He is a skilful climber," said Everest summiteer Ramesh Roy.
Commissioner Verma said that Mandal has set an example for the force. "This requires immense mental strength, along with physical capability. He climbed several peaks before. Last year, he conquered a peak in Ladakh.
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We were aware of his training for the Everest goal. He was supported in every possible way, including financially. Although this is his personal achievement, it is a matter of pride for our police force.
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"This is the fourth Everest summit from Bengal in the past four days. The last three summits were on the same day, May 15. A lot of climbers from the state are attempting Mount Everest now. We are expecting a few more major climbs from Bengal mountaineers on other peaks this year," said Satyarup Siddhanta, Everest summiteer and Guinness record holder.
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