A tragic incident in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab, has shaken the entire region. The search for a father and son—who jumped into the Sirhind Feeder Canal following a domestic dispute—continued for a second consecutive day. NDRF teams launched a search operation in the canal on Thursday morning, but by late evening, no trace of either individual had been found.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10:00 AM on Wednesday. Hartej Singh, a 25-year-old resident of Dashmesh Nagar, and his father, Makhan Singh, supported their family by running a fruit and vegetable cart at the *Sabzi Mandi* (vegetable market) located opposite the City Police Station. It is reported that an altercation broke out between the two regarding the receipt of damaged produce and the resulting financial loss.
According to family members, the financial loss stemmed from purchasing an excessive quantity of fruits and vegetables at the market that morning. This issue led the father to scold his son. Angered by this, Hartej Singh left home; upon reaching the Sirhind Feeder Canal on Kotkapura Road, he suddenly jumped into the water.
**Father Jumps In After Seeing Son Drowning**
According to eyewitnesses, when the father, Makhan Singh, saw his son drowning in the canal, he immediately jumped in after him in an attempt to save him. However, the current in the canal was extremely strong, causing both men to disappear beneath the surface within moments. News of the incident sparked panic in the area, and a large crowd of people quickly gathered at the scene.
Upon receiving the information, police and administrative officials arrived at the site. Subsequently, an NDRF team was also summoned. On Thursday—the second day of the operation—teams continued to conduct an intensive search within the canal. Divers and rescue personnel scoured the waterway for several kilometers, but as of now, no trace of either the father or the son has been found.
**Family Waits in Hope of Safe Return**
Family members remain continuously present at the scene, holding onto the hope that both men will be found safe and sound. Hartej Singh was married and had an eight-month-old son. Following the incident, the family is inconsolable with grief. Makhan Singh’s brother, Kuldeep Singh, stated that there was tension within the household regarding financial losses. He added that no one had ever imagined that a minor dispute would escalate into such a major tragedy.
