2 boys drowned during Seechewal function

Two boys, aged 13 and 15, lost their lives by drowning near a ghat on the Tajpur road where water of Buddha Nullah flows at around 15 feet.

A “ghat-snan” function was held by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, an environmentalist, and his team “to show that the water body near Balaji Pul, Tajpur Road, had been cleaned and the flowing water was transparent”.

Hundreds of followers of the MP had gathered at the spot to take part in the event when the tragedy happened in the afternoon. Though there were hundreds of people attending the event, none risked their life to take out the drowning boys. After some time, with the help of divers, their bodies were taken out.

Both were friends and lived in Ram Das Nagar on the Tajpur road. The bodies were sent for postmortem.

Seechewal, meanwhile, said the function was held to celebrate the “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, the incident took place in which these boys drowned. Though the volunteers were telling them not to go to the particular side as it was deep, they went ahead,” he said. When asked if it was a function to show that the water body was cleaned on this stretch, Seechewal said an ardas was held and langar was served due to the ceasefire that took place last evening between the two countries.

Condemning the incident for “small publicity”, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, spokesperson, BJP, Punjab, said the heartbreaking incident had emerged from Guru Ram Das Nagar, which was in his Sahnewal constituency.

“This tragic loss appears to be the direct result of a poorly managed event organised by Seechewal. The event, held under the pretense of cleaning Buddha Nallah, was primarily a publicity-driven effort aimed at gaining praise rather than ensuring public safety. Locals were invited to participate, but sadly, the necessary safety precautions and arrangements were completely lacking. Due to this gross negligence, two young lives were lost. What is even more disturbing is the response of the administration. Instead of taking swift action by filing an FIR and holding those responsible accountable, it seemed focused on shielding Baba Seechewal. There are also alarming reports that pressure is being put on the families of the deceased to stay silent, in an apparent attempt to cover up the matter. This is not only unjust, but also deeply insensitive for the affected families,” said Baliawal.

He urged the authorities to act without bias and delay and said that an FIR should be immediately registered against Seechewal and all those responsible for organising the event. A thorough and transparent investigation should follow, so that justice was done and accountability ensured.

Punjab