20-year-old drowns in Ulhas river near Badlapur

KALYAN: A 20-year-old youth drowned on Saturday while enjoying near the Ulhas river with his two brothers. Due to the strong water current, the fire brigade team has so far been unable to trace him, though the search operation is still ongoing.According to the police, the youth, identified as Mohammad Gaus Sheikh, had finished his work on Saturday afternoon and gone with his two brothers to a natural spot on the Karjat side of Badlapur. While his two brothers were standing on the riverbank, Gaus went into the river to wash his hands and feet. However, the strong water current caused by heavy rain dragged him away, leading to his drowning. During the incident, his brothers cried out for help, after which local residents informed the police and fire brigade.Kishor Shinde, Senior Police Inspector of Badlapur West Police Station, stated that the victim was a resident of Chinchpada, Ambernath, and worked as a delivery boy. Shinde further added that since receiving the information, the fire brigade team has been trying to trace him, but due to heavy rainfall, the search has not yet been successful.Meanwhile, the water level of the Ulhas river has been continuously rising since Saturday’s rainfall in Thane District. The water level of Ulhas river near the Rayta bridge in Kalyan is also rising, and people living near the riverbanks have been advised to stay on alert.