Uncle and nephew drown in swollen canal while attempting rescue in Pratapgarh

A tragic drowning incident in Pratapgarh claimed the lives of an uncle and nephew who had ventured near a swollen canal on Saturday evening. Nanhe Vishwakarma, 35, and his nephew Vikas alias Lalle, 22, son of Phoolchand, drowned in the fast-flowing waters of a canal in Medhauli Jagdishpur village under Raniganj police station limits. The incident occurred when the pair went near the approximately 50-feet-wide canal that had swelled with rainwater.

According to reports, Vikas went to the edge of the canal to observe the rising water level when he lost his footing and slipped into the strong current. Witnessing his nephew drowning, Nanhe immediately jumped into the water to rescue him. However, both were swept away by the powerful flow and drowned. Children present at the scene quickly alerted villagers, who launched a search operation in the canal.

Nanhe's body was recovered approximately half an hour later, found about 500 meters downstream from the spot where the two had fallen in. The search for Vikas proved more difficult, with divers being deployed to locate him. After nearly 10 hours of intensive search efforts, Vikas's body was finally recovered on Sunday morning around 6:30 am, floating in the canal approximately one kilometer from his home.

The discovery of the body sent shockwaves through the family, with relatives breaking down at the scene. Police arrived promptly after being informed and took possession of both bodies, sending them for post-mortem examination. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. Nanhe Vishwakarma worked at a furniture factory and is survived by a son and a daughter. The entire village has been plunged into mourning following this heartbreaking tragedy.