Guwahati, July 4: A 22-year-old youth from Meghalaya, identified as Biltmore Bohthmit from Hatidonga in the Rengro area, has been reported missing inside the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden in Guwahati since the evening of July 3.

According to zoo authorities, Bohthmit entered the zoo carrying a bag, but no exit was recorded in the visitor log. Later that night, zoo staff found a pair of shoes, a cap, a mask, and a bag containing a notebook and a bank passbook near the giraffe enclosure.

In response, the Forest Department and Guwahati Police launched a joint search operation. Sniffer dogs have been deployed, and search teams are combing the zoo premises and surrounding forest areas.

Divisional Forest Officer Ashwini Kumar stated that clues and CCTV footage suggest the youth may have exited the zoo at night, though there is no conclusive evidence yet. A CCTV image of Bohthmit wearing a mask inside the zoo has been released to aid in identification.

Geetanagar Police confirmed that the search operation is ongoing and appealed to the public for any information that may help locate the missing youth. Authorities said the search will continue until his whereabouts are determined.