2 years after Gandbal boat tragedy, locals spot human foot near Jhelum river bank

Srinagar, Jan 11: Nearly two years after the Gandbal Srinagar boat tragedy that claimed eight lives, hope has resurfaced in the grief-stricken community after locals spotted what appeared to be ‘a human foot emerging from sand near the Jhelum riverbank’ on Sunday.

The discovery was made by residents engaged in sand collection along the river, prompting immediate alert to local authorities.

Eyewitnesses told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that they noticed something resembling a human foot while clearing the sand. “It looked old and partially decomposed, said a villager from Gandbal. “We informed the police right away.”

Officials are yet to confirm the origin of the remains, while teams of police have arrived at the spot.

Notably, the speculation runs deep in the area, that they may belong to Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, the 40-year-old mason who went missing when the boat capsized on April 16, 2024. Earlier, despite massive rescue operations by SDRF, NDRF and MARCOs, Showkat’s body was never found.

Meanwhile further details are awaited as the search for full body remain on—(KNO)