7 Punjab youths drown in Gobind Sagar lake
All victims belonged to Mohali; had gone to pay obeisance at shrines and temples
Seven Punjab youths, including four minors, drowned after they stepped into Gobind Sagar lake near Baba Garib Nath temple in Bangana subdivision of Una district on Monday afternoon.
The incident took place around 3.50pm. The deceased have been identified as Pawan, 35, Raman, 19, Vishal, 18, Labh Singh, 17, Shiva, 16, Lakhvir and his brother Arun, 14.
Police said that 11 youths from Banur village in Mohali district of Punjab were on a pilgrimage to temples and shrines in Himachal Pradesh on motorbikes. They were on their way to Baba Balak Nath temple in Hamirpur after paying obeisance at Naina Devi temple of Bilaspur, said Yograj Dhiman, subdivisional magistrate, Bangana.
He said they stepped into the Gobind Sagar lake at Androli to take a dip and drowned while four managed to swim to safety.
However, as per other reports, one of the youths decided to bathe in the lake, but began to drown. Six others from the group stepped in to save their friend, but could not.
The surviving four friends called for help after which villagers rushed to the spot and also informed the police.
Emergency response teams were rushed to the spot from Bangana police station and subdivisional headquarters.
Bodies of all the victims have been retrieved. Deputy superintendent of police (headquarters), Una, Kulvinder Singh said the bodies have been sent for autopsy and family members of the victims have also been informed.
The police have also launched investigations to ascertain the real cause behind the incident, he added.
CM expresses grief
Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the loss of precious young lives in the incidents.
He said that the Una district administration had dispatched rescue teams to the scene soon after receiving the information about the drowning.
The chief minister prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members.