4 teenagers drown in Kanhan river

Nagpur: Four youngsters from the city drowned in Kanhan river near Waki dargah in Saoner tehsil where they had gone for a day out on Tuesday. Two of the four others, who refrained from venturing into deep waters, were injured when the tragedy occurred.

Those who drowned have been identified as Toufique Khan (16), Pravin Galorkar (17), Awesh Shaikh (17) and Arif Patel (16).

The four survivors have been identified as Teju Potpose (20), Shayan Qazi (18), Palash Joshi (20) and Vishal Chavan (25). None of the youngsters knew swimming, yet they ventured into deep waters, said police.

Body of Shaikh was fished out by State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire station staff till evening. The search operation for three others was called off for the day after it grew dark and it will resume early on Wednesday.

Taking advantage of the Covid unlock situation, the youngsters residing in different localities like Yadav Nagar, Shanti Nagar, Pachpaoli and adjoining places had gone to Waki for a picnic. Most of them had not informed their parents about the plan to visit Waki and instead left home on the pretext of bringing book from a friend or going to a water park.

On reaching Waki, the youngsters decided to take a plunge into the river, though swimming is not allowed there, said a senior police officer.

The survivors told the police that Khan, Galorkar, Shaikh and Patel had initially stayed close to the banks, but went into the deeper zone for more fun. “The youngsters were caught in a whirlpool and drowned,” said SP Rakesh Ola, who was supervising the rescue operation.

Police said the four survivors too had gone into the water but managed to rush back. Two of them sustained injuries in the process.

Local villagers alerted the cops after which staff from Khapa police station reached the place. SDRF and fire station personnel were summoned for the rescue operation.

A case of accidental death has been registered at Khapa police station.