All phones switched off as 16 family members vanish in Sindhuli

SINDHULI: Authorities in Sindhuli have launched an intensive search operation after 16 members of a single family from the endangered Hayu community mysteriously disappeared from Golanjore Rural Municipality–6.

Despite the effort, police say they have found no trace of the missing family, and none of their mobile phones can be reached.

According to local officials, the family, led by Urmila Hayu, has not been seen since Thursday night or early Friday morning. Their absence was discovered only on Monday morning, when neighbors noticed livestock left unattended and a kitchen shed scorched by fire.

District Police Chief SP Lal Dhwaj Subedi confirmed that multiple search teams, including police and locals, are combing the surrounding forests, riverbeds, and farmland. However, no concrete leads have emerged.

“What’s especially alarming is that every phone number linked to the family is switched off. We’ve tried calling repeatedly, but there’s been no response. That has made the search even more difficult,” said Ward Chair Rabin Shrestha, who is coordinating local efforts.

The remoteness of the settlement, surrounded by dense jungle and accessible only after a 15- to 20-minute walk from the nearest neighbor, has complicated search and rescue operations. Authorities say the family, which includes children and elderly members, had recently visited the municipality office to collect their social security allowances.

While locals have speculated whether debt or social stress may have prompted the family to flee, police are not ruling out foul play. “There are no visible signs of a struggle, but the sudden disappearance of such a large group, with no digital or physical trace, raises serious questions,” SP Subedi said.

As of Monday evening, the house remains deserted, with livestock and a crying dog found alone on the property. Police say the priority now is locating the missing individuals and determining whether the case involves voluntary disappearance, abduction, or something more sinister.

The Hayu are a small, endangered indigenous community recognized by the government, making the case especially sensitive and drawing national concern.