Srinagar: A tragic incident occurred in the Gantmulla area of Baramulla, where three individuals, including two minors, lost their lives after slipping into the canal of the Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project during a picnic.
Reports said that the incident took place on Sunday afternoon when a group from Srinagar was enjoying their outing. Two minors fell into the water, prompting two others to jump in for rescue, but they were swept away by the strong currents. A multi-agency rescue operation was launched shortly after the incident, involving the State Disaster Response Force, Civil Defence, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and local volunteers. After over 36 hours of searching, the bodies were recovered. The first victim identified was Ibrahim Bin Showkat, a 13-year-old from Narkara Budgam, found downstream. The second minor, Ahmad Bin Khalid, also 13 and from Hyderpora Srinagar, was recovered early the next morning. The third victim, Haji Mehnaz Rashid Shah, a 40-year-old from Khanyar Srinagar, had attempted to save the children. One Syed Mohammad Ilyas Geelani, was rescued and reported to be in stable condition. Following the recovery of the bodies, police confirmed that medico-legal formalities were completed, and the bodies were returned to their families for last rites. The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for enhanced safety measures near water bodies, particularly in popular public areas during the summer months.
