Discovery during sand collection revives painful memories as police await forensic confirmation
Srinagar, Jan 11: Nearly two years after the tragic Gandbal boat capsize in Srinagar that claimed eight lives, residents of the area were left shaken on Sunday after spotting what appeared to be a human foot emerging from the sand along the banks of the Jhelum River. The discovery has once again revived grief, speculation, and lingering questions surrounding one of the Valley’s most painful river tragedies.
According to locals, the suspected human remains were noticed by residents engaged in sand collection near the riverbank. Realising the seriousness of the find, they immediately alerted the authorities. Eyewitnesses told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the body part appeared old and partially decomposed. “At first, we were unsure, but on closer look it clearly resembled a human foot,” said a resident from Gandbal. “We informed the police without any delay.”
Soon after receiving the information, police teams reached the spot and initiated necessary legal and procedural formalities. The area was secured, and efforts were made to assess the situation while preventing public movement near the site. Officials, however, said that the origin of the remains cannot be confirmed at this stage and that further examination is required.
The discovery has triggered widespread speculation in Gandbal and surrounding areas. Many locals believe the remains could belong to Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, a 40-year-old mason who went missing during the boat tragedy on April 16, 2024. While several bodies were recovered following the incident, Showkat’s body was never found despite extensive search operations involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and MARCOS.
For the families of the victims, the incident has reopened old wounds and renewed their demand for clarity and closure. Police officials said that further details will emerge only after forensic examination and that search efforts for additional remains are ongoing.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed. Further updates are awaited as the situation develops. (KNO)
Srinagar, Jan 11: Nearly two years after the tragic Gandbal boat capsize in Srinagar that claimed eight lives, residents of the area were left shaken on Sunday after spotting what appeared to be a human foot emerging from the sand along the banks of the Jhelum River. The discovery has once again revived grief, speculation, and lingering questions surrounding one of the Valley’s most painful river tragedies.
According to locals, the suspected human remains were noticed by residents engaged in sand collection near the riverbank. Realising the seriousness of the find, they immediately alerted the authorities. Eyewitnesses told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the body part appeared old and partially decomposed. “At first, we were unsure, but on closer look it clearly resembled a human foot,” said a resident from Gandbal. “We informed the police without any delay.”
Soon after receiving the information, police teams reached the spot and initiated necessary legal and procedural formalities. The area was secured, and efforts were made to assess the situation while preventing public movement near the site. Officials, however, said that the origin of the remains cannot be confirmed at this stage and that further examination is required.
The discovery has triggered widespread speculation in Gandbal and surrounding areas. Many locals believe the remains could belong to Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, a 40-year-old mason who went missing during the boat tragedy on April 16, 2024. While several bodies were recovered following the incident, Showkat’s body was never found despite extensive search operations involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and MARCOS.
For the families of the victims, the incident has reopened old wounds and renewed their demand for clarity and closure. Police officials said that further details will emerge only after forensic examination and that search efforts for additional remains are ongoing.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed. Further updates are awaited as the situation develops. (KNO)
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