In a tragic incident on Thursday, two teenage cousins drowned, and two others are missing after being swept away by powerful currents while bathing in the Munak canal in outer north Delhi. The canal, which transports water from Haryana to Delhi, became the site of a harrowing ordeal for a group of young boys.
Around midday, six children accompanied by Waqil, who came to gather fodder for a gaushala, visited the canal. Among them were Waqil's two sons, two sons of his brother-in-laws, his brother's son, and two other minors—all aged between 13 to 18 years.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Outernorth, Nidhin Valsan, the calamity unfolded when four of the boys decided to swim in the canal. Unbeknownst to them, the channel's currents were deceptively strong, quickly overwhelming them.
Rescue operations were launched swiftly with personnel from the fire brigade, local police, and disaster response teams mobilized to the scene. Efforts led to the recovery of two bodies while the search continues for the remaining minors.
As the operation proceeds, hopes remain that the missing boys will be found, a stark reminder of the unpredictable and perilous nature of the canal’s waters.