In a heartbreaking incident, the body of one of two teachers who drowned in the Narmada canal near Jarod was recovered on Tuesday, nearly 40 hours after the tragic accident. The search continues for the second victim.
Body Recovered After Extensive Search
The Vadodara fire brigade successfully retrieved the body of Rahul Yadav from the waters on Tuesday afternoon. The recovery took place approximately 20 kilometers downstream from the Halol Road spot where he initially fell into the canal. The body had been carried by the strong current to a village located in the Panchmahal district.
An official from the Jarod police station provided an update, stating, "Teams are still looking for the body of Shubham Pathak. The search will continue on Wednesday." The operation involves multiple agencies, including local authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
A Fatal Attempt to Help
The sequence of events began on Sunday when the two victims, Rahul Yadav and Shubham Pathak, both in their mid-30s, visited Pavagadh with their friends Vidyut Prasadsingh and Ashit Oza. While returning to Vadodara at night, the group made a stop by the Narmada canal.
According to police reports, Yadav approached the canal to wash his feet but tragically slipped and fell into the water. Witnessing his friend in distress, Pathak, described as an able swimmer, immediately jumped in to rescue him. Unfortunately, the powerful current overwhelmed both men, dragging them away before help could arrive.
Their companions, Oza and Vidhyutsingh, raised an alarm which brought some locals to the scene. The fire brigade and an NDRF team were subsequently called in to launch a formal search and rescue operation.
Community Mourns Young Educators
The tragedy has cast a pall over the educational community in Vadodara. Both Yadav and Pathak were teachers employed at private educational institutions within the city. Originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh, they had moved to Vadodara for work, building their lives and careers there.
The incident highlights the dangers posed by strong currents in canal systems, even to those who are competent swimmers. As the search for Shubham Pathak enters another day, the community holds onto hope while mourning the confirmed loss of Rahul Yadav.
