A 23-year-old student from Himachal Pradesh, Aryan Chandel, has gone missing in Germany under mysterious and heartbreaking circumstances. A student of the EU Business School in Munich, Aryan disappeared on June 15 after a visit to Lake Starnberg with friends.
The incident has shocked his family and sparked widespread concern, both in India and among the Indian diaspora in Germany. What began as a routine recreational day by the lake quickly escalated into a situation of panic and anguish when Aryan failed to return home or make any further contact.
Aryan had spoken to his father, Vichitra Singh Chandel, earlier that day around 1:30 pm IST. It was a warm and emotional conversation on Father’s Day. However, hours later, the family was informed by authorities that Aryan had gone swimming in Lake Starnberg and had not resurfaced.
The possibility of drowning was raised, and local rescue teams were activated immediately. However, Aryan was known to be a strong swimmer, and the lack of concrete evidence or discovery of any belongings has left the family questioning the narrative.
The Search Efforts and Growing Desperation
In the immediate aftermath of the disappearance, German authorities launched a large-scale search operation across Lake Starnberg, a vast water body stretching 21 kilometres in length. Divers, police boats, rescue squads, and even sniffer dogs were mobilized to comb through the lake and surrounding forests. Aryan’s friends, who were reportedly present with him that day, have also been aiding the search, going through nearby trails and wooded areas in hopes of finding a clue or trace of his presence.
Despite the deployment of various resources and technology, no significant progress has been made. Days have passed since Aryan’s disappearance, and the absence of any leads has only intensified the anxiety of his family. The local police in Germany continue to treat the case as a possible drowning, but Aryan’s relatives strongly believe there might be more to the story.
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Back home in India, Aryan’s family is battling both emotional trauma and bureaucratic hurdles. They have approached the Himachal Pradesh government and have formally requested assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs. His father has met with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, urging them to expedite communications with German authorities and ensure the search operation continues with full vigour.
Family’s Plea and Emotional Appeal for Help
Aryan Chandel’s family has been devastated by Aryan’s sudden disappearance. In numerous media statements, they’ve expressed both despair and hope. “We are shattered and living in unbearable uncertainty,” the family shared. “But we refuse to give up on Aryan — we believe he can still be found. He is not just a name — he is a son, a brother, a nephew — our everything.”
They have pleaded with both state and central authorities in India to push for stronger diplomatic engagement. Aryan’s brother, Pankaj Chandel, has personally appealed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for intervention and support. He requested that the ministry not only coordinate directly with German officials but also ensure that the family receives transparent and timely updates about the investigation.
On social media, Aryan’s cousin, Nikhil Saini, took to X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness and amplify the family’s appeal. In his post, he questioned the official assumption that Aryan Chandel drowned. “That evening, his family was told he had drowned, but he was a strong swimmer, and they find it hard to believe. Despite search ops, he’s still missing,” he wrote. The post has drawn public attention and has been reshared by many in the Indian community abroad.
The Indian Consulate in Munich has acknowledged the case and confirmed its involvement. In a public statement, they assured that the consulate is closely working with German authorities and is regularly updating the family. “We are also keeping the family updated regarding developments in the investigation. All possible help will be extended by the Consulate,” read the statement from their official social media handle.
A Community Holds On to Hope Amid Uncertainty
While official investigations continue, Aryan’s disappearance has also sparked wider conversations about the safety and challenges faced by Indian students abroad. As more Indian youth pursue higher education in foreign countries, incidents like this strike a nerve — highlighting how quickly a situation can turn tragic when support systems are not immediately accessible.
Aryan Chandel was described by those who knew him as bright, ambitious, and full of life. His move to Munich marked a new chapter in his academic journey, filled with hope and promise. That it has come to this point — with no clarity on his whereabouts — is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable international students can be in unfamiliar environments.
His friends, fellow students, and well-wishers have continued to gather near the lake, offering support to the family and praying for a breakthrough. Candlelight vigils have been held in his memory, not as a farewell but as a symbol of unwavering hope. Local community groups have also offered help in search efforts, and NGOs have begun sharing Aryan Chandel’s story to raise awareness across Germany and Europe.
In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, the atmosphere remains somber. Aryan Chandel’s extended family, neighbours, and friends have kept vigil at the Chandel household, supporting each other and waiting for news that could bring Aryan back home. His disappearance has become more than a personal tragedy — it’s a national concern, calling for unity and compassion from citizens, diplomats, and governments alike.
The situation is evolving, and the Chandel family remains strong in their resolve to continue the search. Their message is clear: they will not stop until they find answers, until Aryan Chandel is found. Whether by renewed search efforts, technological support, or diplomatic push, they believe the truth will eventually surface.
In the meantime, they urge anyone who may have been at Lake Starnberg on June 15 to come forward with information, no matter how small. For Aryan’s family, any lead, any detail, could be the key to finding their beloved son. And until that moment arrives, they continue to hope, pray, and search — holding on to faith in the face of unimaginable pain.