The body of Ashish Shukla, a second-year MBA student at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, was discovered in the Ganganahar canal on Monday, five days after he was reported missing. Shukla, originally from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, became submerged in the canal on February 11 while spending time with friends. Eyewitness accounts indicated that he lost his footing while seated at Valmiki Ghat and was quickly swept away by the strong current.
Search Operation Overview
In response to the incident, local authorities initiated a comprehensive search operation that unfolded over several days. Teams from various organizations, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, local police, and the disaster management department, collaborated in what officials termed the largest joint search operation in Roorkee’s history. Twice, the flow of water in the canal was temporarily halted to facilitate search efforts, with considerable resources expended to locate the missing student.
Implementation of Specialized Search Techniques
On Monday, search teams once again curtailed the water flow and resumed their activities. The operation included participation from personnel of the Bengal Engineering Group and approximately 20 professional divers, who employed advanced techniques to comb the canal’s stretch from Valmiki Ghat to Asafnagar Jhal. Over nearly a hundred team members, experienced divers conducted meticulous underwater searches throughout the entire canal. Despite the difficulties posed by the water’s current, the dedicated efforts of the search teams ultimately led to the recovery of Shukla’s body on the fifth day of the operation.
Next Steps Following Recovery
Following the recovery, authorities have initiated the necessary legal procedures and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination. The incident has sparked discussions regarding safety measures in the area, especially in light of the hazardous conditions of the canal. The community continues to reflect on the tragic loss of a young life during a recreational outing meant for leisure and relaxation.
