A 20-year-old tourist from Delhi was killed while five others were rescued when a raft they were riding capsized and they fell into the cold water of Beas on Tuesday evening.
According to Kullu SP Abhishek Dular, a group of six boys from Delhi had reached Manali on May 22 for holidays and after a full day sightseeing to Rohtang on 23, they planned to enjoy the rafting on May 24 when this mishap occurred.
“All were businessmen. Ten persons were onboard the raft including a guide and three rowers. They started from Raison near Kullu. Guide chose wrong course and raft was trapped in a huge rapid. The raft overturned and all riders fell into the river,” Dular said.
He said five tourists were saved by guide and rowers but Nitin Chhabra, resident of Gyan Park, New Delhi died on the spot. According to the investigating officer, inspector Hari Singh, all tourists were wearing life jackets but the boy fell into water with his head down and died with shock.
Munish Chhabra, a rescued tourist said they were enjoying the rafting but this accident has turned their holiday into mourning. “Everything was fine at beginning but a sudden jerk sent us all into the water. Water was cold and stream was very sharp. We were recovered but Nitin died at the spot,” he said.
After the post-mortem, body was handed over to his relatives on Wednesday. The guide of the raft was arrested under section 340(A), 336 of IPC act for negligence on his part but later he was released on bail.
The accident has revealed certain shocking things. The rafting company was providing its services to the tourists without any governmental approval. The company was not registered with Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department. Administration has imposed strict ban on company. District tourism development officer has advised all tourists to ensure the registration of company before booking such activities.
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