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Srinagar, May 03: The body of a 24-year-old man who went missing after a shikara capsized in Srinagar’s Dal Lake on Friday evening was recovered early Saturday morning, officials confirmed.
The deceased has been identified as Raufeeq Ahmad Chopan, a resident of Jogi Lanker in Rainawari. He was aboard a shikara with another individual when the boat overturned due to sudden strong gusty winds that swept across the city during a brief but intense windstorm.
While the other occupant was rescued shortly after the mishap, Chopan could not be located, prompting a joint rescue operation led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with help from local volunteers. The search effort was called off late Friday night due to poor visibility and resumed at first light on Saturday.
Officials said Chopan’s body was eventually located and retrieved by the SDRF’s Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at Nehru Park. The recovery was made near Duck Park, close to where the boat capsized.
The incident occurred during a sudden weather disturbance that hit Srinagar on Friday evening, causing widespread disruption. The windstorm, accompanied by rain, uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure in several parts of the city.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to exercise caution during unpredictable weather spells, especially near water bodies.(KINS)
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