A spiritual gathering close to Budha Nullah turned tragic on Sunday afternoon when two minor boys drowned at an uninaugurated bathing ghat constructed by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal. The incident occurred round 1.30 pm close to Ramdas Nagar on Tajpur Highway, the place a spiritual operate and langar had been organised.
Volunteers and divers reportedly rushed into the Buddha Nullah however had been unable to avoid wasting the 2 youngsters. (HT Photograph)
The deceased have been recognized as Abhay, 15, and Gurjeet Singh alias Ansh, 13, each residents of Ramdas Nagar. The boys reportedly entered the water and drowned earlier than rescue began.
Members of the family of the deceased alleged that the organisers failed to make sure security and that nobody jumped in shortly sufficient to avoid wasting the boys. Nonetheless, the organisers said that the kids had already been warned and even pulled out of the water as soon as earlier than the incident. Regardless of repeated directions, they returned to the ghat once more and ventured into the water. Volunteers and divers reportedly rushed in however had been unable to avoid wasting them.
Tensions flared on the scene after the incident, with grieving family accusing the occasion organisers of negligence. Police quickly arrived to deal with the state of affairs.
Sub-Inspector Bhupinder Singh, SHO of the Division Quantity 7 police station, confirmed {that a} Sukhmani Sahib path had been organised by Seechewal, and close by residents, together with the 2 minors, had attended. “The children entered the water, and sevadars attempted a rescue but were unsuccessful. The bodies have been sent to the civil hospital for autopsy, and we are recording family statements to proceed with further action,” he stated.
Seechewal expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “This is truly unfortunate. The ghat was not open for public bathing, and our team had already asked the children not to enter the water. Despite warnings, they went back in. We are committed to supporting the bereaved families in every possible way,” he stated.
Victims’ kin being pressurised to remain silent, alleges BJP
Bharatiya Janata Get together (BJP) Punjab spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal focused the Punjab authorities. He said that the tragic loss seems to be the direct results of a poorly managed occasion organised by Balbir Singh Seechewal. The occasion, held beneath the pretence of cleansing the Buddha Nallah, was primarily a publicity-driven effort geared toward gaining reward reasonably than guaranteeing public security, Baliawal alleged. Locals had been invited to take part, however sadly, the mandatory security precautions and preparations had been fully missing. Resulting from this gross negligence, two harmless lives had been misplaced, he added.
“What is even more disturbing is the response of the administration. Instead of taking swift action by filing an FIR and holding those responsible accountable, they seem more focused on shielding Seechewal. There are also alarming reports that pressure is being put on the families of the deceased to stay silent, in an apparent attempt to cover up the matter. This is not only unjust but also deeply insensitive to the grief of the affected families,”he stated.
“We strongly urge the authorities to act without bias or delay. An FIR must be immediately registered against Seechewal and all those responsible for organising the event. A thorough and transparent investigation must follow, so that justice is served and accountability is ensured,” he added.