BICHOLIM
A wave of grief has spread in the area after a youth from Kajiwada-Vithalapur in Bicholim drowned during a Dhond ritual bath in the river at Vathadev-Bicholim.
According to reports, Damodar Naik (23) was staying with a group at a place called ‘Nave Dhond’, where people gather near the riverbank to observe religious vows. From Thursday, new participants had begun their vow on the occasion of Amavasya (new moon).
Accordingly, some of them had gone to bathe in the Bicholim river at Vathadev.
Naik had gone to observe the vow as a new participant and went to soak clothes as part of the ritual. His father and other participants were present at the time.
Although the water level was low, he reportedly fell into the water. He remained in the water for some time. Some people nearby noticed him and pulled him out. An ambulance was summoned to the site, but he died on the spot.
Bicholim police arrived at the scene and conducted a panchanama. The death of the youth has dampened the festive spirit ahead of the famous Lairai Zatra.
