Mohit Kashyap : Tragic drowning at Bicholim quarry: St Inez teen lost, 2 rescued

Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Life of St Inez Teen at Bicholim Stone Quarry

17-year-old Mohit Kashyap from St Inez, Panjim, tragically lost his life due to drowning in a water-filled laterite stone quarry at Bhatwadi-Nanora, Bicholim, on Sunday afternoon.

Team Herald

The serene surroundings of the Bicholim region were marred by a tragic incident as 17-year-old Mohit Kashyap met a watery grave in a stone quarry at Bhatwadi-Nanora. The young boy, along with a group of six friends hailing from Panjim, ventured into the quarry for a swim on a fateful Sunday afternoon. Two of his companions, who also faced the danger of drowning, were fortunately rescued from the treacherous waters.

The heart-wrenching incident unfolded around 1 pm when the group decided to take a dip in the quarry’s waters, capturing moments with selfies. However, a playful moment turned into a nightmare as three of them found themselves struggling in the deep waters. While two managed to escape the clutches of the water, Kashyap was not as fortunate.

Upon receiving the distress call, the vigilant Bicholim Police promptly arrived at the scene to conduct necessary procedures. The body of the young victim was carefully preserved at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bambolim, awaiting a post-mortem examination scheduled for the following day.

Under the guidance of Bicholim PI Rahul Naik, PSI Sunil Patil is currently spearheading the investigations to unravel the sequence of events that led to this tragic loss.

This unfortunate incident echoes a similar tragedy that struck the locality last year when a 19-year-old youth from Nanora succumbed to drowning in the very same quarry during a recreational outing with friends.

As the community grapples with the loss of a young life, another distressing development unfolds in the vicinity, with reports of a person feared drowned in the Tillari irrigation canal at Usap-Nanora. Local authorities, alongside dedicated fire brigade personnel, are tirelessly engaged in search operations to locate the missing individual, with efforts set to continue into the next day.

Government Implements Prohibition on Swimming in Hazardous Water Bodies

In response to the alarming rise in drowning incidents across the state, the Goa government has taken a decisive step to ban swimming in waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, and other high-risk water bodies. The prohibition, enforced under Section 144 of CrPC, comes into effect from May 26, aiming to curb further tragedies and safeguard public safety.

Both District Magistrates have issued a stern order, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance to enforce the ban effectively. Failure to comply with the directive may attract penal action under Section 188 of IPC, underscoring the gravity of flouting safety regulations.

Government’s Commitment to Prevent Tragic Mishaps

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s assurance to the Legislative Assembly regarding the fencing of hazardous water-filled mining pits and abandoned quarries underscores the government’s proactive stance on mitigating risks to human and animal life. The Chief Minister’s pledge to secure these areas aligns with the urgent need to prevent mishaps and uphold public safety.

With a concerted effort to identify and barricade illegal quarries, the government aims to create a safer environment for all citizens and wildlife, ensuring that such tragic incidents are averted in the future.