Two Boys Drown During Buddha Nullah Event on Tajpur Road; Political Row Erupts
Ludhiana, May 12: Tragedy struck during a public event organized near the Buddha Nullah on Tajpur Road when two boys, aged 13 and 15, drowned in the canal, sparking outrage over safety lapses and event mismanagement.
The incident occurred during a “ghat-snan” ceremony hosted by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP and noted environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal. The function, attended by hundreds of his followers, was intended to showcase the claimed cleanup and transparency of the water body near Balaji Pul. It also coincided with a celebration marking the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
The two victims, residents of Ram Das Nagar near the event site, reportedly entered a deeper section of the water despite warnings. Volunteers had cautioned attendees to avoid the area, said Seechewal. However, eyewitnesses said that despite the large crowd, no one immediately intervened during the boys’ struggle. Their bodies were later recovered with the help of divers and sent for postmortem.
MP Seechewal expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, “It is unfortunate. Volunteers were asking people to stay away from the deep area, but the boys still went ahead.” He clarified that while the event highlighted environmental efforts, it was primarily held to offer prayers (ardas) and distribute langar in celebration of the ceasefire.
However, the incident quickly turned political. BJP spokesperson and Sahnewal constituency leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal condemned the event, calling it a “publicity stunt” that neglected public safety.
“This tragic loss is a direct consequence of a poorly managed, publicity-driven event. No adequate safety measures were in place. What’s worse, there's a disturbing silence from the authorities, and reports suggest pressure is being applied to the families to remain quiet,” said Baliawal. He demanded that an FIR be lodged against Seechewal and those involved in organizing the event, and called for an impartial, transparent investigation.
So far, authorities have not commented on whether a case will be registered or if administrative accountability will be pursued.
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