Ahmedabad: In a tragic incident on Thursday, four members of a family, including two minor girls, are feared drowned in the Narmada main canal near Fatiyavad village in Kheda's Kapadvanj taluka. Police are investigating the possibility of a mass suicide.
Incident details
According to police, a woman allegedly jumped into the canal along with her two daughters, both under 10 years old, for reasons yet to be ascertained. Upon learning about the incident, her husband rushed to the spot and leapt into the canal. It remains unclear whether he intended to save his family or end his own life.
Sequence of events
Preliminary investigation reveals that the woman arrived at the canal bridge with her daughters earlier in the day. Police suspect she may have first thrown the girls into the water before jumping in herself. The husband later reached the spot and also jumped into the canal. All four were rapidly swept away by the strong current and deep water.
Rescue operation
Locals who witnessed the incident immediately alerted police and emergency services. Teams from Kapadvanj fire brigade and Atarsumba police station rushed to the spot. Fire personnel, along with local swimmers, launched an extensive search operation. Police confirmed that the body of one of the girls was recovered late in the evening, while efforts continue to find the remaining three. The rapid current in the canal is hampering rescue operations.
Investigation ongoing
Police have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased and are working to ascertain the circumstances that led to the family taking this extreme step.
