Vadodara floods

Heavy rainfall has inflicted devastation across Gujarat in the past week, causing severe flooding and claiming the lives of around 35 people, with many others still missing.

Since the arrival of torrential rains on the eve of the Janmashtami festival, the overflowing Vishwamitri River has severely impacted Vadodara. Although the floodwaters have begun to recede, the aftermath has revealed bodies across the city.

Receding floodwater unravels Vadodara’s plight

Two bodies were discovered near the Tarsali and Harni-Sama Link Road on August 29. The Manjusar police have initiated procedures to conduct post-mortems.

Meanwhile, another body was found today on the road leading to the old Fast Track Court, which is now the Charity Commissioner’s office. The Raopura police sent the body for post-mortem and initiated an investigation to identify the deceased.

In a separate incident, two residents of Nilkanth Nagar near Khiskoli Circle, Anil Padhiar and Manoj Baria, were found dead after they ventured out of their house to bring groceries and essentials. The Atladara police are investigating this matter.

Two more unidentified bodies were recovered behind the Khaswadi crematorium and near Akota, respectively. Police are working to identify both the deceased.

Manager, security staff electrocuted in party plot basement

A grave tragedy struck at the Atithya Party Plot in Vemali village on the outskirts of the city, where the basement was filled with floodwater from the Vishwamitri River. Two individuals, the manager of the property and a security guard, died while attempting to drain the water.

Preliminary reports suggest that both men died due to electrocution. Allegations have surfaced that the property owner forced them to remove the water from the basement.

According to preliminary details, the floodwaters had filled the party plot’s basement, and locals had been requesting help from authorities for two days.

However, after delays, when the water was finally drained on the morning of August 29, the bodies of Mayur Patel, 34, and Suresh Padhiar, 41, were recovered.

Initial findings indicate that Mayur and Suresh entered the basement to remove water when they were electrocuted.

Sunil Parmar, a relative of the security guard, alleged, “Suresh used to go to the party plot every night. Due to the rain, he did not go last night. The manager came to our home and told him, ‘Owner Ajay Patel is pressuring me to empty the water in the party plot basement. That’s why I’ve come to get you. I’m under a lot of pressure.’”

Sunil further stated, “Suresh and Mayur were friends, so Suresh agreed to help. It is because of the owner’s pressure that Suresh and Mayur lost their lives.”

He also warned, “We will not conduct the last rites until we get justice. If the bodies are released from Sayaji Hospital, we will take them back to the party plot.”