2 drown in Darhali river

Rajouri, Oct 6: Two persons have lost their lives in separate incidents in the Darhali river within 48 hours, prompting locals to demand a probe to determine whether the deaths are linked to illegal and unscientific mining in the area.

On October 4, Mohammad Iftaar, resident of Ujjain Margha, drowned near Sai Gangi Ziarat during the annual Urs.

A day later, Asif Ali of Kothera Darhal met a similar fate near Darhali bridge.

Locals have alleged that rampant, night-time mining using heavy machinery has destabilized the riverbed, creating unsafe conditions.

Residents accused mining department officials and officials of other concerned departments of turning a blind eye despite repeated complaints, urging the district administration to take strict action and hold those responsible for it accountable.

They appealed to Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, to order an immediate investigation into the matter.