Two Minor Boys Drown During Religious Event

Victims decided to jump into water despite being pulled out once and warned, say organisers

- HT Correspondent

LUDHIANA: A religious gathering near 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 around 1.30 pm near Ramdas Nagar on Tajpur Road, where a religious function and langar had been organised.

The deceased have been identified as Abhay, 15, and Gurjeet Singh alias Ansh, 13, both residents of Ramdas Nagar. The boys reportedly entered the water and drowned before rescue started.

Family members of the deceased alleged that the organisers failed to ensure safety and that no one jumped in quickly enough to save the boys.

However, the organisers stated that the children had already been warned and even pulled out of the water once before the incident. Despite repeated instructions, they returned to the ghat again and ventured into the water. Volunteers and divers reportedly rushed in but were unable to save them.