Happy New Year from the Abode of Gods: Mount Abu
As we bid farewell to 2016, it’s time to reflect on an eventful year for Mount Abu—our beloved hill station, often called the “Abode of Gods.”
The year saw its fair share of trials. Summer was a booming success, drawing in countless tourists eager to escape the heat and bask in the tranquil beauty of our mountains. The Abuites, as always, put together a vibrant Summer Festival, celebrating local culture and bringing the community closer
However, the year was not without its challenges. Midway through, we experienced one of the worst storms in recent memory, which left its mark by felling a significant number of our majestic trees—a sight that was heartbreaking for those of us who cherish Abu’s natural beauty. The monsoon, while brief, was fierce, and though it was short-lived, it was a reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.
On a more sombre note, two gruesome murders shocked the local community, and the disappearance an ex-Marian, Shuel Braganza, remains a mystery. As the year closes, Shuel is still missing, and the search for him continues, leaving many in the community feeling unsettled. I received a clip from my friend Charles, which sheds some light on Shuel’s last known whereabouts. Below is a screenshot from the clip, which keeps the mystery alive.
Despite the turbulence, Mount Abu also had a successful winter season. The cool breezes, mist-covered hills, and festive spirit brought in tourists to close the year on a positive note. 2016 was a year of highs and lows, but it reminded us of the strength of our community and the resilience of our town.
Here’s hoping 2017 brings brighter days, more growth, and answers to the questions that linger. Happy New Year from the heart of Mount Abu!
I have copied and pasted the English version of the paper.
Tourist’s Purse Found After One and a Half Months in Mount Abu Jungle
A mystery deepens in Mount Abu as authorities recently discovered the purse of a tourist missing since October 20, 2015, in a jungle area. The tourist, who disappeared nearly two months ago, was last seen at the house of Shuel Beaganza, a resident of Pune, during his visit to Mount Abu.
Following his disappearance, local authorities, along with the police, CRPF, and a dog squad, searched the area extensively, but their efforts failed to locate the tourist. On Wednesday, December 25, 2015, a group of woodcutters stumbled upon the missing tourist’s purse while gathering wood in the forest near a hotel in the Aarna village area, on the Abu Road to Mount Abu route. The woodcutters promptly handed the purse over to the police.
Mount Abu Police Station CI Sajjan Singh confirmed that the purse was indeed found in the forest, but there is still no trace of the tourist. The discovery of the purse in a location opposite to where the tourist was originally reported missing—near Plummy—only adds to the mystery of his disappearance. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities hope to uncover more information in the coming days.
As I reflect on this strange turn of events, I can’t help but wonder where Shuel might be. I sincerely hope they find him soon and solve this puzzle for the sake of his loved ones and the Mount Abu community.
