Tragic incident: two boys lose their lives in Gurdaspur village rivulet drowning

In a heart-wrenching incident, the lifeless bodies of two young boys were discovered in a seasonal nullah (drain) in Dhirowali village, part of Sri Hargobindpur sub-division in Gurdaspur district. Jaskaran Singh, 14, the son of Baldev Singh, and Dilpreet Singh, 12, the son of Hardev Singh, had gone missing the previous evening, prompting a search operation.

The unfortunate incident unfolded due to the rising water levels in the adjacent Beas river, causing the nullah to reach full capacity. The boys, drawn to the sight of the flowing water, stood near the edge of the drain. In a fateful moment, their footing gave way, causing them to slip into the water. Despite the immediate response from authorities, the boys couldn't be located on that dark evening, leading to a resumption of the search the following morning.

A grief-stricken community

The tragedy deeply impacted the local community and the families of the two boys. The search operation was initiated after their parents informed the police about their failure to return home on the previous evening. Sri Hargobindpur's Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rajesh Kakkar, recounted that the nullah, which runs along the village, had swelled due to the elevated water levels in the Beas river.

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The seasonal nullah, typically a benign watercourse, became a danger due to the overflow from the nearby Beas river. The rising waters filled the nullah to capacity, leading to the boys' unfortunate slip into its current. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and potential risks posed by natural water bodies during periods of heightened water levels.

Community resilience in the face of tragedy

Despite the challenges posed by the darkness of the previous evening, the search for the boys continued into the morning. The relentless efforts of the authorities led to the recovery of both young lives. The community came together in grief and support, exemplifying the strength and unity that emerges during times of tragedy.

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This tragic event underscores the importance of water safety awareness, particularly during times of increased water flow. Such incidents serve as a call for vigilance and the need to educate individuals, especially young ones, about the potential hazards of approaching swollen water bodies. As communities mourn the loss of these young lives, their memories stand as a reminder of the fragility of life and the imperative of safeguarding against preventable accidents.