A festive occasion turned tragic on Tuesday when two 13-year-old boys drowned during Gauri immersion at a lake in Zilpa village of Katol tehsil. The deceased have been identified as Ayush Harish Kumre and Darshan Dhanraj Lad. Both were residents of Zilpa village. According to police, several women from the village had gone to the lake at around 11 am for Gauri immersion ceremony. Some children had also entered the lake along with women. The immersion was underway when the villagers noticed that Ayush and Darshan were missing. They raised an alarm and informed their relatives. Uncles of both the boys immediately entered the lake.

 

They searched the water and managed to pull out Ayush and Darshan. The boys were rushed to Katol Rural Hospital for treatment. However, doctors examined them and declared both dead. A team of Katol police reached the spot after being informed about the incident. Police conducted an inspection and registered a case of accidental death. “Both the boys had accompanied their mothers for Gauri immersion. They entered the water along with other children. During immersion, they went missing and were later retrieved from the lake,” police said. “Doctors declared them dead after examination. We have registered a case of accidental death and are conducting further inquiry,” police added. Ayush was a Class VIII student, while Darshan was studying in Class VII. Both were also kabaddi players. They played for Jai Bhavani Sports Club. The sudden demise has shocked the local sports community.