Missing IIT Roorkee Student's Body Found From Canal After A Week
On February 17, 2026, the body of Ashish Shukla, a second-year MBA student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, was recovered from the Ganga canal in the Mohammadpur Jhal area of Uttarakhand. His disappearance had sparked a week-long search operation following an incident that occurred on February 11, when he slipped into the canal near Valmiki Ghat.
Incident Overview
Ashish Shukla, originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was enjoying a day out with friends at Valmiki Ghat when the tragic incident took place. Witnesses reported that he lost his footing and fell into the canal. This prompted immediate concern among his friends, who alerted authorities to initiate a search and rescue operation.
Search and Rescue Operations
In the wake of Ashish’s disappearance, a comprehensive search operation was launched involving multiple agencies. The response included:
- Bengal Engineer Group
- State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Army personnel
- Local police
- Professional divers
Over the course of nearly six days, these teams conducted extensive searches along various points of the canal. The search efforts were intensified by temporarily stopping the flow of water in the canal to facilitate the recovery of the body. Approximately 100 personnel, including around 20 professional divers, were involved in the operation. Nets were also deployed at suspected locations to aid in the search.
Discovery of the Body
After several days of searching without success, the body of Ashish Shukla was finally spotted on the morning of February 17. Authorities were notified, and police along with rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene to retrieve the body. Following standard procedures, the body was sent for a post-mortem examination, and further legal formalities were initiated by the authorities.
Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident has deeply affected the IIT Roorkee community, with institute authorities expressing their grief over the loss of a promising student. In light of this tragic event, local police have issued a public appeal urging individuals to exercise caution when near the canal, highlighting the dangers posed by the strong currents.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Ashish Shukla serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with water bodies, particularly in areas with strong currents. It underscores the importance of safety awareness and the need for vigilance when engaging in recreational activities near water.
Note: This article is based on reports from various news sources and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incident involving the missing IIT Roorkee student.
