Tragedy on Sabarmati Riverfront: Four Dead, One Rescued After Jumping into River During Diwali Festivities

AHMEDABAD — What should have been a festive week ended in tragedy across Ahmedabad as four people lost their lives and another was rescued alive after jumping into the Sabarmati river in five separate incidents between Diwali and Bhai Beej.

Emergency response units remained on high alert along the Riverfront throughout the holiday period as the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) River Rescue team raced against time to respond to distress calls from security personnel and eyewitnesses.

Prompt Action Saves Life Near Dadhichi Bridge

Among the five tragic occurrences across the festive weekend, swift intervention by the River Rescue team saved a life on the afternoon following Diwali. Responders pulled a man out of the water near Dadhichi Bridge after he reportedly jumped into the river.

Upon retrieval, rescue personnel discovered the man was still breathing. Identified as Pravin Kamble, he was immediately stabilized and rushed to Civil Hospital via a 108 emergency ambulance service, where he continues to receive medical treatment.

Tragic Discoveries Across Ellisbridge and Atal Bridge

The series of incidents began on Diwali morning when abandoned personal belongings—a bag, mobile phone, footwear, and a motorcycle key—were discovered on the stretch between Ellisbridge and the Atal Footbridge. The AFES River Rescue team launched an immediate search operation, recovering the body of a young man identified as Fenil within an hour.

Later that same day, a security guard stationed near the iconic Patang Hotel alerted authorities after spotting a body floating in the river. Rescuers retrieved the deceased, an unidentified man carrying no documents or personal belongings. Riverfront police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination and initiated inquiries to trace his relatives.

Late-Night Search and Bhai Beej Discovery

Tragedy struck again late on Diwali night when a Riverfront security guard witnessed a man leap into the water. Following an extensive night search, rescue personnel recovered the body of Sajid Pathan, which was later handed over to local police for further legal procedures.

On the morning of Bhai Beej, another floating body was reported near Ellisbridge by security personnel. Emergency teams retrieved the deceased, who had no wallet or identification cards on his person, though the name 'Paresh' was tattooed in English on his hand. Police have registered a case and are reviewing missing person reports across the city to establish his identity and contact his family.