Body of Missing Student Found in Hussain Sagar
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Synopsis
The body of a missing engineering student, S. Ajay, was recovered from Hussain Sagar Lake following a tragic fire incident during a fireworks display. The incident has raised concerns regarding safety protocols and permissions for such events.
Key Takeaways
- S. Ajay was a final-year B.Tech student.
- A fire incident during a fireworks display led to his disappearance.
- Search operations involved multiple agencies over 45 hours.
- Two fatalities have been reported from the incident.
- Concerns about safety protocols were raised post-incident.
Hyderabad, Jan 28 (NationPress) The lifeless body of an engineering student, who had gone missing following a fire incident on a boat and a floating jetty in Hussain Sagar Lake, was discovered on Tuesday.
The remains of 21-year-old S. Ajay were retrieved near Tank Bund on Tuesday evening.
The extensive search operation, which included personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Fire Department, spanned 45 hours.
A total of seven boats were deployed for the search.
Six individuals sustained injuries when fireworks were ignited from a boat and a jetty in the lake during the 'Bharat Mata Maha Harati' event at People's Plaza on Necklace Road adjacent to the lake.
Ganapati (22), one of the injured, passed away at a private hospital on Tuesday morning.
With the discovery of Ajay's body, the death count from this event has risen to two.
Ajay, a final-year B.Tech student from Geetanjali Engineering College, had visited Hussain Sagar with his companions Sai Sandeep and Raghavendra.
The police reported that Raghavendra had an outstanding payment for firecrackers previously purchased from trader Manikantha.
Upon contacting Manikantha to settle the debt, he was instructed to come to the lake as he was present for the fireworks display associated with the 'Bharat Mata Maha Harati' event.
The three friends rode to the lake on a motorcycle.
After settling the payment, they boarded the boat that ventured into the lake carrying firecrackers.
When the boat ignited during the fireworks, the friends were separated.
Sai Sandeep and Raghavendra managed to escape with injuries and were taken to Gandhi Hospital.
Unable to find Ajay, they notified the police and other friends.
The police and NDRF commenced the search for Ajay on Monday morning.
Despite their efforts, no results emerged on Monday.
Ultimately, they located the body on Tuesday evening.
It is believed that Ajay jumped into the lake in a bid to save himself when the boat caught fire.
Ganapati (22), who was critically injured and admitted to Yashoda Hospital, succumbed while receiving treatment.
The young man, hailing from West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, had suffered 100 percent superficial burns.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy were present at the 'Bharat Mata Maha Harati' event.
They departed the venue after the cultural performances and speeches.
According to fire services officials, the event organizers failed to secure permission for the fireworks display.
They noted that fire safety teams and equipment are typically on standby during such gatherings.
However, no such preparations were made in this instance as the organizers did not notify the police or fire department.
It took considerable time for rescue teams to reach the boat and jetty.
The Bharat Mata Foundation organized the event in celebration of Republic Day.
This organization has been hosting the event annually for the past seven years.
The Secretariat Police have opened a case based on a complaint lodged by an official at Lumbini Park.
