India, June 18 -- The body of a 22-year-old man who slipped off a cliff during a monsoon trek to the Siddhagad Fort near Murbad on Sunday was recovered on Tuesday after a prolonged rescue operation that lasted over 36 hours in extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, dense fog, and poor visibility.

The deceased, identified as Sairaj Chavan, was part of a 14-member group that had left on a one-day trek to the historic hill fort, located around 20 km from Murbad in Thane district. The local police confirmed that the group lacked a professional guide and essential trekking gear, increasing their vulnerability on challenging terrain in rainy conditions.

According to the Murbad police, 13 members of the group lost their way in poor ...