Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh — A tragic drowning incident near Salhewara Dam claimed the lives of two children on Monday afternoon, casting a shadow of grief over the villages of Itar and Barbaspur just days before the Holi festival.
According to local authorities, three boys from Itar village had gone to a flour mill in Barbaspur to grind rice earlier in the day. After finishing their errand, the children — identified as 9-year-old Tanish Dahare, 12-year-old Sameer Sonwani, and 13-year-old Kuleshwar Sonwani — walked to the nearby Salhewara Dam to cool off amid intense summer heat.
Police said the children entered the water to bathe but were unaware of the dam’s depth. During the swim, Tanish and Sameer reportedly drifted into deeper water and were unable to stay afloat. Kuleshwar also struggled but managed to survive after becoming entangled in shrubs growing along the edge of the reservoir. Holding onto the vegetation, he pulled himself to safety and ran back to the village to alert family members.
Villagers Rush to the Scene
Upon hearing the news, residents and relatives rushed to the dam. After considerable effort, the two boys were retrieved from the water. A team from the local police station transported them to the district hospital in Khairagarh, where doctors pronounced both children dead following initial examination.
Officials from Khairagarh police confirmed that a case of accidental death has been registered. Additional Superintendent of Police Nitesh Kumar Gautam stated that a preliminary investigation has been completed at the scene and the bodies have been sent for postmortem examination. Further inquiry is ongoing.
Festival Turns to Mourning
The tragedy has left the community devastated. With Holi approaching, celebrations in Itar and Barbaspur have come to a halt. Families of the victims are inconsolable, and a heavy silence has replaced what is typically a time of color and festivity.
Local residents say the incident highlights the dangers posed by unmonitored water bodies, particularly during peak summer months when children often seek relief from the heat.
Authorities have urged parents and guardians to exercise caution and ensure that children avoid swimming in deep or unsupervised areas.