3, including six-year-old, drown in Kanhan River during family picnic

Nagpur: A picnic along the picturesque banks of Kanhan River at Mahadev Ghat turned into a tragedy for two families when three persons, including a six-year-old boy, drowned on Sunday afternoon. The victims were identified as Gautam Ambade (31) and his nephew Chaitanya (6), both residents of Indiranagar, Jaripatka, along with Rohit Nagdevte (35), an e-rickshaw driver from Kumbhare Colony in Kamptee.Police said the incident occurred around 12.30pm. Chaitanya, a KG student, accompanied a family group of 13 members, to the spot. Nagdevte led another family from Kamptee to the riverbank. Police said while the adults from both families were preparing food, Chaitanya strayed away from his group, entered the river and slipped into deep water pit. Gautam couldn't swim but still jumped into the river to rescue his nephew and got trapped in strong currents, said police.Nagdvete, who spotted the drowning uncle-nephew duo, rushed to rescue them and himself drowned in the process.Gautam's father, Rajkumar (55) made valiant attempt to save his son and grandson, but to no avail. With great difficulty, he managed to swim back to safety.A police team from Old Kamptee Police Station, led by assistant sub-inspector Manish Hiwarkar and sub-inspector Sagar Bhandari reached the spot. The officers conducted extensive search operations in the water and recovered bodies of the three victims. Police completed necessary procedure and sent the bodies for autopsy. Sources said some Army personnel also extended help in the operation.