Udaipur, March 22 – A tragic incident struck the Sarada region of Udaipur district on Friday evening as two young boys drowned in the Gomti River while bathing after returning from school. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, plunging two families into mourning and leaving an entire village in disbelief.
According to Sarada Police Station Officer Hemant Kumar, the heartbreaking event occurred near Himato Ki Bhagal under the Sarada police station limits. A group of schoolchildren had gone to the river to bathe when Bharat Patel (12) and Bhavesh Patel (13) inadvertently ventured into deep water and were swept under.
Desperate Rescue Effort by Villagers
The remaining children, overwhelmed by fear and panic, ran back to the village and raised an alarm. Hearing the cries, villagers rushed to the riverbank and immediately alerted local authorities while launching a desperate rescue attempt of their own.
Local residents, along with police personnel from Sarada including ASI Hemraj, officers Himmat Singh, Pushpendra Singh, Karmveer, Mahendra Pal, and Kaluram, reached the spot promptly. The bodies of the two boys were recovered by villagers before the official rescue teams could arrive.
The children were rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sarada, where doctors declared both dead on arrival. The news of their deaths sent a wave of grief through the area, with friends, classmates, and neighbors devastated by the loss.
Both Victims Were the Only Children in Their Families
Further investigation revealed that both Bharat and Bhavesh were the only children of their respective families. Bharat, a Class 5 student at a private school in Semari village, was the son of Mohanlal, who works in Mumbai. Bhavesh, also in Class 5, was originally from Shyampura and was studying at the Government Primary School in Himato Ki Bhagal, staying with his maternal uncle for education purposes. His father, Kaluram, works in Gujarat.
Both boys had shown promise in their studies, and their untimely deaths have left their families and the community shattered beyond words.
Police Investigation Underway
Sarada Police have initiated a case of accidental death, and further inquiries are ongoing. While no foul play is suspected, local authorities have urged parents and guardians to monitor children’s movements, especially near rivers and other water bodies, which can pose significant risks during dry seasons when currents may be deceptive.
Authorities are also expected to issue public advisories to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly during school hours and vacation periods.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic deaths of Bharat and Bhavesh have left an indelible mark on the hearts of villagers, teachers, and classmates. Candlelight vigils and community prayers are expected in the coming days as the village attempts to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Grief-stricken neighbors described the boys as cheerful, polite, and inseparable friends who would often be seen together after school. The emotional toll on both families, especially the parents working far from home, is immense and unimaginable.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
