Tragedy strikes during religious offering; police register accidental death case
Ahmedabad: In a heartbreaking incident, a Gandhinagar-based paediatrician, Dr. Nirav Brahmbhatt, drowned on Saturday afternoon while performing a religious ritual with his seven-year-old daughter at the Adalaj Narmada Canal. The 42-year-old doctor reportedly slipped into the water and was swept away by a strong current.
According to reports, Dr. Brahmbhatt, a resident of Anashya Greens Society in Vavol, had taken his daughter to immerse offerings as part of the Gauri Vrat observance. Around 1:30 p.m., while placing the ritual offerings into the canal, he lost his footing and was dragged under by the current.
Daughter’s Screams Alert Locals
Although the doctor had ensured his daughter was standing safely at a distance, she reportedly began screaming in panic upon seeing her father struggle in the water. Her cries caught the attention of nearby rickshaw drivers and passersby, some of whom jumped into the canal in an effort to rescue him.
After a difficult attempt, locals managed to pull him out. However, he had reportedly ingested a large amount of water by then.
Doctor Declared Dead at Adalaj CHC
Dr. Brahmbhatt was rushed to the Adalaj Community Health Centre (CHC), where emergency medical personnel administered CPR and life-saving interventions. Despite their efforts, he was declared dead shortly after arrival.
His wife, a medical officer at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, reached the CHC shortly after being informed. The Adalaj police have registered a case of accidental death in connection with the incident.
Authorities Confirm Sequence of Events
Inspector L.D. Odedara, speaking to The Times of India, confirmed that the 108 ambulance team initially found the doctor alive, which is why he was rushed without delay. “Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly,” Odedara said.
Broader Context
The incident adds to a series of recent water-related tragedies involving members of the medical community. In a separate case, a Rajshree Medical College MBBS student was recently reported missing and feared drowned.
As the community mourns the untimely death of a respected paediatrician, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by open water bodies, even during routine or religious activities.
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