Man Drowns in River Jhelum While Performing Ablution in Anantnag

Suhail Dar

Anantnag, June 14: A man tragically lost his life after slipping into the Jhelum river while performing ablution (Wudu) at Batengoo in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday afternoon, according to local sources.

Eyewitnesses told Kashmir First that the man accidentally fell into the river. Onlookers managed to retrieve him from the water and rushed him to GMC Anantnag. However, doctors at the hospital declared him dead on arrival.

An official from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag confirmed to Kashmir First that the individual was brought in without any vital signs. “Despite all resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived,” the official said, adding that the body was later sent for medico-legal post-mortem.

The deceased, who worked as a daily wager with the Mechnical Division Awantipora of Irrigation Department, is survived by his wife and four minor daughters.

His untimely demise has left the local community in grief. Residents remembered him as a sincere and diligent worker. “He was always busy with his duties along the river. His death is a deep blow to both his family and our locality,” said a neighbour.

Meanwhile, police said a team was dispatched to the scene and that necessary medico-legal procedures are underway. “A formal investigation into the matter has been initiated,” a police official stated.