A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded at the Western Yamuna Canal near Shiv Colony on August 14, where an 18-year-old youth lost his life in a desperate bid to save his father. While the father, who had jumped into the canal in an inebriated state, managed to survive, his only son drowned in the turbulent waters.
๐ The Incident: A Son’s Last Sacrifice The victim, identified as Harjita, had gone out with his cousin and brother-in-law on Thursday evening to search for his father, Surendra, who was heavily intoxicated and missing from home.
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The Fatal Jump: Upon finding his father near the canal, the family watched in horror as Surendra suddenly jumped into the water. Despite not knowing how to swim, Harjita plunged into the canal without a second thought to rescue him.
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The Struggle: In the water, Harjita managed to push his father toward the bank. However, reports suggest that in his drunken state, Surendra inadvertently pushed back against his son, causing Harjita to lose his footing and get swept into the deep currents.
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The Survival: While Surendra eventually reached the shore and was pulled out by relatives, Harjita disappeared beneath the surface.
๐จ Rescue and Recovery The local police and divers from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were summoned to the spot immediately.
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The Search: Divers launched an intensive search operation throughout the evening. Harjitaโs body was recovered later, casting a pall of gloom over the Shiv Colony area.
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Prevention: To prevent the distraught father from jumping back into the canal after the realization of his son’s death, relatives were reportedly forced to temporarily tie his hands and feet until the police arrived.
โ๏ธ Administrative Warning This incident marks the latest in a series of drownings in the Western Yamuna Canal during the monsoon. Police officials have reiterated their appeal to residents to stay away from the canal banks, particularly under the influence of alcohol, as the water level remains dangerously high.
