IIT-Roorkee student’s body fished out of Gangnahar after six-day search
ROORKEE: The body of a 30-year-old student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee was recovered from the fast-flowing Gangnahar canal after a six-day search operation. The tragic incident occurred when Ashish Shukla, a second-year MBA student, was swept away while visiting Valmiki Ghat with friends.
Incident Overview
On the evening of February 11, 2026, Ashish Shukla and his friends visited Valmiki Ghat, located near the Roorkee Municipal Corporation office. While attempting to get up from the steps of the ghat, Shukla lost his balance and fell into the deep waters of the canal around 7 PM.
Rescue Attempts
Immediately after the incident, Shukla’s friends attempted to rescue him by tying their clothes together to create a makeshift rope. Unfortunately, Shukla was unable to grab hold of it and was quickly swept away by the strong current.
Local authorities were notified, and a Jal Police unit along with local divers initiated a search operation that same night. However, their efforts proved fruitless as they were unable to locate Shukla.
Search Operations
The following day, in an effort to assist the search, canal water levels were regulated from Haridwar. This allowed for a more thorough search. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and personnel from the Army’s Bengal Engineer Group (BEG) joined the Jal Police in the search efforts, but they also could not find Shukla.
Involvement of National Disaster Response Force
After five days of continuous searching, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in to help. A massive operation was launched on February 16, involving a joint team of 100 personnel. They utilized advanced equipment, including sonar systems and underwater drones, to conduct a comprehensive search over a 17-kilometer stretch of the canal.
Recovery of the Body
On the morning of February 17, 2026, search officials finally spotted Shukla’s body. The recovery brought a somber end to the extensive search efforts. Following the recovery, a post-mortem examination was conducted, and the body was subsequently handed over to Shukla’s family.
Community Response
The tragic incident has raised concerns about safety measures at local water bodies, especially during the tourist season. Community members and authorities are now discussing the need for better safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The loss of Ashish Shukla is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers associated with water bodies, particularly for young individuals who may underestimate the risks. It is essential for educational institutions and local authorities to work together to ensure the safety of students and the public at large.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 18, 2026. Further updates may be provided as the situation develops.
