Were carrying dead body of toddler
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Feb 12: Pall of gloom descended on village Bahadat in mountainous Kishtwar district as five inhabitants including a couple were killed when the Maruti car they were travelling in skidded-off the road and fell into river Chenab in wee hours today on Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway.
The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK07-2745 was on its way to village Bahadat from Jammu, when the driver lost control over the vehicle and it plunged into river Chenab near Pani Nallah, one kilometer ahead of Drabshalla on Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway resulting into on the spot death of all the five occupants including a couple traveling in the car.
Shockingly, the couple was carrying the dead body of their 3 months old toddler from Jammu to their native area along with their three relatives, when the accident took place.
After getting information, police team rushed to the spot and with the help of Red Cross volunteers, Army personnel and locals retrieved the dead bodies from the river Chenab.
All the bodies of the deceased were shifted to Trauma Centre Thathri and after legal and medical formalities were handed over to legal heirs for last rites.
The deceased have been identified as Pawan Kumar (Government Teacher), son of Bansi Lal, his wife Rekha Devi, Sanjay Kumar, son of Pawan Kumar, Rita Devi, wife of Rakesh Kumar and Kewal Krishan, son of Phool Chand, all residents of village Bahadat, Drabshalla, district Kishtwar.
A case under relevant Sections has been registered at Kishtwar Police Station and investigation started.
When contacted, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar Dr Harmeet Singh Mehta told the EXCELSIOR that to ascertain the reason behind the accident, a case has been registered at Kishtwar Police Station. “The couple was carrying the dead body of a toddler from Jammu when the incident took place”, he added.
He informed that the roads in this hilly district are very tough and they have started a drive to keep check on driving of vehicles by untrained drivers to thwart any such accident in future.
“A drive has also been launched to check overloading and fitness of the vehicles. Around 30 to 40 vehicles are being challaned and 5 to 10 vehicles are being seized on daily basis during the ongoing drive”, SSP informed.
Meanwhile, the members of All Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Teachers Federation have expressed grief over the loss of lives particularly of Government Teacher Pawan Kumar in this tragic accident. They prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved families.
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