A joyous wedding anniversary celebration in the scenic town of Bhedaghat, Jabalpur, ended in profound tragedy on Monday when a woman drowned in the Narmada River. The incident occurred as the family was taking photographs to commemorate the special day, turning a moment of happiness into one of irreversible loss.
Family Outing Turns Fatal at Popular Tourist Spot
The victim has been identified as Swati Garg, a resident of Rameshwaram Colony in Vijay Nagar. She had visited the Tripuri Mata Temple with her family, including her husband Ashish Garg, their young daughter, and Swati's mother. Ashish Garg is employed as a junior works manager at the Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK). After their temple visit, the family proceeded to New Bhedaghat for sightseeing, a popular destination known for its marble rocks and the flowing Narmada.
The Moment of the Accident
According to the police report, the couple was posing for photographs near the riverbank. In a brief moment, Ashish stepped away to hand over their daughter to Swati's mother. It was during this short interval that the unfortunate accident happened. Swati allegedly slipped, fell into the river, and was immediately caught in a strong current that swept her away before anyone could react. The serene waters of the Narmada, often a backdrop for beautiful memories, became the site of a devastating incident.
Search Operation and Recovery
Upon receiving the distress information, the Bhedaghat police swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. Teams scoured the river area downstream from the accident site. After an intensive search, the rescue teams recovered Swati Garg's body approximately 1 kilometre downstream from where she had fallen. The recovery marked a grim end to the frantic efforts, confirming the family's worst fears.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the potential dangers present at seemingly peaceful tourist locations, especially near water bodies with strong, unpredictable currents. It serves as a somber reminder for visitors to maintain utmost caution and vigilance while enjoying natural beauty, particularly during photography sessions close to river edges. The local community and authorities are left mourning the loss, as a family's celebration day became a day of mourning.
