Hotel Chef Drowns in Ganga River at Haridwar's Lakshman Jhula Area
A tragic incident unfolded in Haridwar on Wednesday when a 25-year-old man, who worked as a chef at a local hotel, allegedly drowned while bathing in the Ganga river. The victim, identified as Suraj Singh from Almora, was swept away by strong currents near Mastram Ghat in the Lakshman Jhula area.
Swift Response by SDRF Team
According to an SDRF team member, the incident occurred when Suraj Singh went to bathe at the ghat. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team from Dhalwala was immediately alerted and launched a massive search operation. Kavindra Sajwan, the local head of SDRF, confirmed to TOI that divers were pressed into action without delay.
The search was extensive, covering the area thoroughly before the body was finally located. Using deep diving techniques, the SDRF team managed to retrieve Suraj Singh's body from a depth of approximately 20 feet in the river.
Recovery and Legal Procedures
After the recovery, the body was handed over to the police for necessary legal formalities. The SDRF member added that this step is standard protocol in such cases to ensure all procedures are followed correctly.
This incident highlights the dangers of bathing in rivers with strong currents, especially during certain seasons when water levels and flow can be unpredictable. Authorities often warn against venturing into deep or turbulent waters without proper safety measures.
The local community and hotel staff where Suraj Singh worked are reportedly in shock over the sudden loss. The area around Lakshman Jhula is a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists, making safety a paramount concern.
