Bhopal, January 4: Saral Nigam, a 23-year-old BTech graduate from Bhopal’s Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), tragically drowned in a dam reservoir on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when he attempted to rescue a friend’s pet dog that had fallen into the water. While the dog managed to swim to safety, Saral unfortunately did not survive.

TOI reported that Saral, an only child, was preparing for the UPSC exams after completing his engineering degree. According to the investigation officer, ASI Antram Yadav, Saral and two female friends had gone for a morning walk around 7.30am at Jungle Camp in the Kerwa Dam area. One of the girls had brought her pet dog along. Tamil Nadu Shocker: One-Year-Old Girl Child Drowns in Water Bucket in Chithode, Probe Underway.

The dam, located just 10km from the city centre, is a popular spot known for its scenic beauty. Around 8.30am, while they were walking beside the waterbody downstream of the dam, the dog fell into the water. Himachal Pradesh: Seven-Year-Old Child Drowns in Septic Tank in Hamirpur, Probe Underway.

In an attempt to save the dog, the trio entered the water, holding hands. However, they lost their footing due to the current and fell into the reservoir. While the girls were able to reach the shore, Saral was swept into deeper waters.

The girls ran to the road, calling for help. The watchman of Jungle Camp, upon hearing their cries, rushed to the scene. Unable to spot Saral, he informed the Ratibad police. Despite the immediate response from the police, divers, and SDERF, there was no sign of Saral.

His body was recovered an hour later, found drowned in water 10-15 feet deep.

Saral’s parents, including his father Sudhir Nigam, a retired principal of a private engineering college, are in shock. The girls, who reside in the same Chunabhatti neighbourhood, were sent home by the police, with their statements yet to be recorded. Saral’s body has been sent for autopsy, and the police are currently investigating the case.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2024 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).