Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
A young man lost his life while his father was rescued after the two were swept away by strong currents in a water body in the Surrinder area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Sunday, officials said.
The victims, residents of Nadihal village in Bandipora, were reportedly caught in the fast-flowing waters, triggering an immediate rescue operation by police, local volunteers and residents.
According to officials, both father and son were swept away by the strong currents. Rescue teams, assisted by locals, launched an extensive search operation and combed the area for several hours in an effort to trace the duo.
After strenuous efforts, rescuers managed to retrieve the father alive. He was provided emergency medical assistance and later shifted to Srinagar for specialised treatment, officials said.
However, the search for his son ended tragically when rescue teams recovered the body of Ubaid Shabir, son of Shabir Ahmad of Nadihal village, after several hours of searching.
The body was handed over to the family after completion of legal formalities.
The incident has plunged Nadihal and adjoining areas into mourning, with residents expressing grief over the untimely death of the youth.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated proceedings to ascertain the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with rivers, streams and other water bodies across Kashmir, particularly during the summer months when water levels and currents often rise due to snowmelt and changing weather conditions. Authorities have repeatedly urged people to exercise caution while venturing near fast-flowing water bodies.
