Man swept away with bike into open drain in Odhav, body recovered after 10-hour operation

A 45-year-old man died after being swept away along with his bike into an open drainage channel on Odhav Canal Road in Ahmedabad on Wednesday night. The deceased has been identified as Manubhai Pitambardas Panchal.

The incident occurred around 8.50 pm, when Panchal was on his way home. Due to heavy water flow following the downpour, his bike was pulled into the open drain despite barricades being placed at the location. Eyewitnesses alerted the authorities immediately after the mishap.

Officials from the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) were informed and teams from Odhav and Nikol fire stations were rushed to the spot. Despite continuous efforts, they were unable to locate Panchal or his vehicle during the initial hours of the search operation due to the strong water current.

It was only around 4 am on Thursday, after the water levels had receded, that fire officials were able to enter the drainage line and successfully retrieve both the body and the two-wheeler.

The recovery operation lasted nearly 10 hours and involved extensive effort by the joint teams from Odhav and Nikol fire stations.

Police have registered a case of accidental death and further investigations are underway. Locals have raised concerns about the safety measures in the area, pointing to the inadequate barricading and open drains as a major hazard during heavy rains.