Ten people, including a 14-year-old boy and his father, drowned during Ganesh idol immersions across Maharashtra. The tragic incident took place in the Ulhas river near Chandai village in Raigad’s Karjat taluka. The victims, identified as Jagdish Shahu and his son Yash, had visited their friend Chetan Sonawane in Ukal village for Anant Chaturdashi festivities. They, along with other residents, were immersing their household Ganpati idol when the mishap occurred.

At around 6:30 pm, Chetan, Jagdish, Yash, and another boy named Rohan Ranjan entered the Ulhas river for the immersion. However, their legs got stuck in the sludge, causing them to drown. Some onlookers who witnessed the incident jumped in to help. Rohan’s father managed to rescue him, but Jagdish and Chetan were swept away by the strong current.

While Yash was taken to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The next day, Jagdish’s body was found in the sludge at the riverbed, approximately 25-30 meters away from where he was swept away. The search for Chetan is still ongoing.

In Nashik, three individuals drowned in the Panchvati area, while another three drowned in Nashik Road. Additional drownings were reported in Umbraj, Satara district, and Wajirabad, Nanded district.

The incidents serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with idol immersions during festivals. Authorities and organizers should take necessary precautions and ensure the safety of participants to prevent such tragedies from occurring.