Phagwara, Sept 6 — A brother and sister from Ucha village drowned after being swept away by floodwaters near Phagwara on Saturday, underscoring the continuing risks posed by swollen streams and heavy rains in Punjab.
The victims were identified as Sandeep Kumar, 37, and his sister Preeti, 27. According to police and eyewitnesses, the two were traveling on a bicycle to Ranipur to purchase medicines when they attempted to cross a culvert between Dugga and Jagpalpur. Their bicycle became stuck, and both lost balance before being carried away by the strong current.
Local residents tried to pull them out but could not succeed. “Despite rescue efforts by villagers, the siblings were brought to Civil Hospital Phagwara, where doctors declared them dead on arrival,” said SHO Major Singh of Rawalpindi police station.
Relatives told authorities that Sandeep, a daily wage worker, had been accompanying his ailing sister for treatment. He is survived by a young son. Preeti, they added, had been unwell for several days.
Phagwara SDM Jashanjit Singh confirmed that postmortem examinations were conducted and the bodies were handed over to the family. “The administration has recorded family statements and necessary proceedings are under way,” he said.
Local MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal visited the hospital to console the grieving family. Villagers described the deaths as a grim reminder of the dangers of venturing near flood-hit stretches.
