ASHISHPURI, Kapurthala, April 14: A tragic incident cast a shadow over Baisakhi celebrations in Kapurthala, where an uncle and his nephew drowned in the Beas River while taking a holy dip.
The deceased have been identified as Ramandeep Singh (22), son of Buta Singh, and Gurdev Singh (30), son of Tarsem Singh, residents of village Butala. Both had gone along with fellow villagers to the river stretch between Butala and Chakkoki Mand for ritual bathing on the auspicious occasion.
According to reports, a group of villagers, including women, had reached the river in a trolley. While bathing, one of the two men was caught in the strong current and began to drown. In an attempt to rescue him, the other also got pulled into deeper waters. Both were swept away by the powerful flow before help could reach them.
Panic gripped the spot as locals raised an alarm, following which the Dhilwan police were informed. SHO Dalwinderbir Singh said the police team rushed to the scene immediately and sought assistance from the NDRF and local divers.
After an intensive rescue operation lasting nearly three and a half hours, both bodies were recovered from the river and later handed over to their families. Officials confirmed that the deceased were uncle and nephew.
The incident has left village Butala and nearby areas in deep mourning, turning a day of celebration into one of grief.