THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Tragedy struck Tambdimall locality of Collem early Sunday when two minor boys drowned while swimming in the Dudhsagar river.
Omkar Dendin (17) and his cousin Sagar Dendin (17), had gone to bathe but misjudged the depth and currents.
According to the police, Omkar had told his mother he was heading to play at a nearby ground with Sagar and his younger brother. Instead, the trio went to the river. The younger sibling warned them not to enter the water. But with their return to Karnataka imminent, the cousins decided to take a dip. Within minutes, they were struggling.
The younger boy raised an alarm and phoned his father. Locals and police rushed to the spot. The boys were pulled out and taken in a 108 ambulance to the Pile Primary Health Centre. Doctors declared them dead on arrival.
Omkar’s family has lived in Collem for several years, while Sagar’s family resides in Bagalkot, Karnataka. Both were students -- Omkar pursuing ITI, Sagar enrolled in a commerce stream. They had arrived in Collem only days earlier.
The incident has left the village crestfallen. Only nine days ago, four youths had drowned in the river at Metawada, barely a few kilometres away. With Sunday’s deaths, six lives have been lost to the river in less than a fortnight.
Residents recalled the June 13 tragedy at Metawada, where four youths drowned. Despite warning boards put up by Dharbandora deputy collector Amitesh Shirvaikar after that incident, tourists were seen bathing in the river on Sunday afternoon. Police later dispersed them.
Villagers said the warnings are ignored, and enforcement is weak.
“We are losing our children. How many more deaths are needed before sterner action is taken?” asked a grieving resident.
The Dudhsagar river, famed for its scenic beauty, has become a site of repeated sorrow. Six young lives lost in nine days which has left the village heavy with silence and despair.
