BHOPAL: A BTech graduate from Bhopal NIT drowned in a dam reservoir on Wednesday morning when he jumped into the water to save the pet dog of a friend.
The dog swam to safety, but the youngster, Saral Nigam, died. The 23-year-old was an only child and was preparing for the UPSC exams after getting his engineering degree from MANIT.
Investigation officer ASI Antram Yadav said Saral had gone to Jungle Camp in Kerwa Dam area for a morning walk with two female friends around 7.30am.One of the girls had taken her pet dog along. The picturesque dam is barely 10km from the city centre, and a much frequented zone.
Around 8.30am, the trio was strolling beside the waterbody, downstream of the dam, when the dog fell into the water. They decided to save it, ASI Yadav said.
They held each other’s hands and got into the water, trying to reach the dog. They lost their footing in the current and fell into the reservoir. The girls managed to make it to shore, but Saral was swept into deeper waters by the current.
The girls ran to the road, screaming for help. The watchman of Jungle Camp ran over, couldn’t see Saral, and informed Ratibad police. The cops, along with divers and SDERF, rushed to the spot but there was no sign of Saral. His body was found an hour later. He drowned in 10-15 feet of water, said police.
His parents are in a state of shock. Saral’s father, Sudhir Nigam, retired as principal of a private engineering college. The girls, who live in the same neighbourhood of Chunabhatti, were sent home by police. Their statements are yet to be recorded.
Saral’s body has been sent for autopsy. Police are investigating the case.
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