Tragic Drowning of Two Brothers in Jhelum River, Anantnag
Synopsis
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Anantnag, J&K, where two brothers drowned in the Jhelum River. Their bodies were recovered after a swift rescue operation. This tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of drowning incidents in the region, especially during warmer months.
Key Takeaways
Two brothers drowned in Jhelum River, Anantnag.
Accident occurred while bathing in the river.
Bodies were recovered through a rescue operation.
Jhelum River has a history of drowning incidents .
Authorities stress caution around riverbanks.
Srinagar, April 13 (NationPress) – Tragedy struck in the Bijbehara region of Anantnag district, J&K, as two brothers lost their lives in the Jhelum River on Monday, according to police reports.
The siblings, identified as Majid Ahmad Malik and Shahid Ahmad Malik from Jabalipora, tragically drowned after they slipped while bathing in the river at Padshahibagh. A police official confirmed that their bodies have been recovered.
Witnesses reported that the brothers lost their footing and fell into the river's deep waters. Immediately following the incident, a coordinated rescue operation was launched by the Bijbehara police, alongside local community members, to locate the missing brothers. Thanks to the efforts of the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the bodies were eventually retrieved.
The Jhelum River has witnessed numerous drowning incidents in recent years, predominantly occurring in the late spring, summer, and autumn months.
Many of these accidents are linked to bathing, washing, or unfortunate slips near the riverbanks, especially in fast-moving currents.
Just a day before this incident, on April 12, the SDRF and River Police managed to recover the body of a local resident, Ayaz Ahmad, near Basant Bagh in Gowkadal, Srinagar.
In a separate event, a young girl jumped into the Jhelum reservoir at Peerniya, Boniyar, on July 8, 2025.
Despite regular deployments of the SDRF and local police for search and rescue operations, the turbulent nature of the river often complicates these efforts.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of exercising caution around the riverbanks, as many drowning tragedies have stemmed from accidental slips.
In a proactive measure to deter potential suicide attempts among at-risk youth, all bridges spanning the Jhelum River in Srinagar have been fitted with high fencing on both sides.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the need for increased awareness around river safety in J&K. The repeated occurrences of drowning incidents emphasize the importance of community education and preventive measures to safeguard lives.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the drowning of the two brothers?
The brothers slipped while bathing in the Jhelum River, leading to their tragic drowning.
Where did the incident take place?
The drowning occurred in the Padshahibagh area of Bijbehara, Anantnag district, J&K.
How were the bodies recovered?
The local police and SDRF conducted a rescue operation, which successfully located and recovered the bodies.
Are drowning incidents common in the Jhelum River?
Yes, the Jhelum River has seen numerous drowning incidents, particularly during warmer months.
What safety measures are being taken to prevent drowning?
Authorities have emphasized the need for caution around riverbanks and have installed high fencing on bridges to prevent suicide attempts.
