A festive celebration turned into deep sorrow in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, when an unexpected incident near a local pond claimed three young lives. The event occurred between 7:30 PM and 7:45 PM behind the Chaupatty area within the Kotwali police station limits. Four young men were present near the water body when a police patrol vehicle passed by. Startled by the sight of the patrol car, the group jumped into the water. While one individual managed to swim back to safety, the other three unfortunately sank into the deep water.
One-Hour Rescue Operation
Upon receiving information about the crisis, personnel from the Kotwali and Sohagpur police stations rushed to the location. The State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) was also deployed to assist. Rescue teams conducted an intensive search operation lasting about one hour. The three victims were pulled out in an unconscious state and rushed immediately to the district hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead. The deceased were identified as Sameer Banshkar, Gaurav Banshkar, and Durgesh Banshkar, all residents of the Gharola locality. The fourth individual, Pushpendra, also known as Pankaj, survived the incident with injuries, and his condition remains critical while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Hospital Tension and Public Outcry
As news of the drownings spread, a large crowd gathered at the district hospital, creating a tense atmosphere that required the deployment of additional police forces. Relatives raised strong objections at the facility, alleging that no doctors or medical staff were present when the victims arrived. Tahsildar reached the hospital to address the situation. City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rajendra Mohan Dubey confirmed that three youths drowned while a fourth survived, adding that the exact reason why they entered the water remains under investigation similar tragic drowning incidents have been recorded in other parts of the state previously.
Administrative Inquiry and Financial Relief
Taking the public outcry and the gravity of the situation seriously, the district administration ordered a formal inquiry. A three-member committee comprising an additional collector, a civil surgeon, and an additional superintendent of police has been formed to investigate the matter and submit a report within one week. Furthermore, the administration approved an immediate financial assistance of 25,000 rupees for each grieving family. Authorities reiterated that the exact chain of events and the reason behind the youths' panicked reaction will become clear only after the inquiry concludes.
