A tragic incident at the Sirhind Canal near Mohali has left the entire family in deep shock. Silence now pervades the courtyard where, until recently, the laughter of three innocent children used to echo. On Wednesday, six-year-old Tanvi and ten-year-old Tapish were bid a tearful farewell at the cremation ground in Balongi, while there is still no trace of four-year-old Nitin.
Even 72 hours after the incident, divers are continuously searching the canal for him. The atmosphere at the cremation ground was deeply emotional. With heavy hearts, the children’s grandparents performed the final rites for their grandchildren. Those present were moved to tears as the elderly couple bid farewell to the very children they had once taught to walk by holding their hands. The anguish of the family members was clearly visible on every face. Argument erupts upon the mother’s arrival.
Meanwhile, the children’s mother, Shakuntala (alias Suman), also arrived at the cremation ground. She came face-to-face with her in-laws there. A brief exchange of words and an argument ensued between the two sides, though the situation remained peaceful. Both parties leveled serious allegations against each other, matters which the police are currently investigating. The children’s grandfather, Babu Ram, described this as the greatest tragedy of his life. He lamented that he had to perform the final rites for the very children he had raised with his own hands. He demanded an impartial investigation and for the truth to be brought to light.
Mother alleges domestic abuse.
On the other hand, Shakuntala claims she had been enduring domestic abuse and mental stress for a long time. Conversely, the in-laws maintain that the allegations leveled against the family are baseless. The police have clarified that statements from both parties are being recorded, and further action will be taken based on the facts established after the investigation. Police investigation has also revealed that Shakuntala’s husband had died by suicide about ten months ago. Following this, the family’s circumstances kept changing. The police are currently investigating the events and circumstances that led up to the incident.
**Woman rescued after incident; children swept away**
In the incident that occurred on Monday, locals managed to pull Shakuntala out of the canal, but all three children were swept away by the strong current. The bodies of two children were recovered late Tuesday evening, while the search for four-year-old Nitin continues. Rescue teams are conducting search operations across various sections of the canal.
The police stated that statements from the mother, grandparents, and other relevant individuals are being recorded. Further legal action will be taken based on the facts that emerge during the investigation. For now, the entire family’s hopes are pinned on finding little Nitin, whom his loved ones are still waiting to see again.
