Banur locality bids adieu to seven sons who perished in Una tragedy

Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 2

The mortal remains of seven victims who drowned in the Gobind Sagar Lake in Una were brought to their hometown Banur on Tuesday, where a large number of people had assembled to express condolences with the bereaved families.

Six youths of Bazigar Basti, who were part of a group of 11 pilgrims, drowned while attempting to rescue a 15-year-old, Shiva, who had entered the lake for a bath after pilgrimage. Their bodies reached Banur from Una around 4 pm.

The deceased, identified as Pawan Kumar (35), Raman Kumar (19), Lal Singh (18), Shiva (15), Lakhvir Singh (16), Arun Kumar (14), and Vishal (18), were cremated at the committee cremation ground where the pyres were lit simultaneously. Pawan, Raman and Lal belonged to one family, while Arun and Lakhvir were siblings.

The siblings’ father, Lal Chand, has been bedridden for the past one year due to multiple fractures in the leg, while their mother is a homemaker.

“Lal Chand was brought to the cremation ground with assistance. The two had three elder sisters, who are married,” said Ramesh Kumar, Lal Chand’s cousin.

Ravi, the elder brother of victim Vishal, said: “He worked as a waiter at private parties and marriages. He was the second among three brothers. My father and mother work as domestic help at an eatery. The group had left for the pilgrimage on bikes on Monday morning. We received information about the tragedy around 5 pm.”

Shiva, alias Bhupinder Singh, was the first to enter the lake, while others rushed in to save him. “Shiva was the only son after two daughters to my elder brother, Avtar Singh. Yesterday, he told us he was going to Naina Devi. His grandfather had asked him not to go anywhere else other than the shrine,” said Krishan Kumar, victim’s uncle who brought the body from Una. The Punjab Government on Tuesday announced Rs 1 lakh compensation to the families of the seven victims. Rajpura MLA Neena Mittal too met the family members of the deceased and offered condolences.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#Mohali