Bandipora, May 8, KNT: Three youths slipped to death in River Jhelum in Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday after they accidentally fell into the river while washing tent material, officials and locals said.
The incident occurred at Check Chandergeer Hajin and triggered panic in the area as local residents rushed towards the riverbank after hearing cries for help.
The deceased were identified as Sohail Ahmad Dar, 22, son of Ghulam Nabi Dar; Adil Ahmad Dar, 18, son of Bashir Ahmad Dar; and Sameer Ahmad Dar, 22, son of Mohammad Jamal Dar. All three were residents of Chandergeer Hajin.
Witnesses said the youths were washing tent material along the river when they reportedly lost balance and slipped into the fast-flowing waters.
Soon after the incident, local residents and volunteers launched rescue efforts and attempted to trace the missing youths from the river.
One body was initially retrieved and shifted to Community Health Centre Hajin for medico-legal formalities. Rescue teams and local volunteers later recovered a second body, while search operations continued for several hours to trace the third missing youth.
Officials said the third body was eventually recovered from the river later in the day, bringing the rescue operation to an end.
The incident triggered scenes of grief and mourning in Chandergeer village as relatives, residents, and mourners gathered near the homes of the deceased youths.
Police personnel, rescue teams, and local volunteers remained engaged at the site during the operation while authorities completed legal and medical formalities.
The tragic deaths of the three youths sent shockwaves across Hajin and adjoining areas, with residents describing the incident as one of the most painful tragedies witnessed in the locality in recent times.
Authorities have initiated proceedings into the incident. [KNT]
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