Devotee Drowns in Matrutirth Kund After Pilgrimage

A 28-year-old devotee, Aniket Valmik Turak, drowned in the historic Matrutirth Kund at Mahur in Nanded district on Friday.

He had completed a foot pilgrimage covering 26 religious sites, including the Shri Dattashikhar temple, during the night and early Friday morning.

Before beginning the return journey, Turak went to the Matrutirth Kund to bathe. He entered the water and swam nearly 100 feet from the steps.

While returning towards the shore, he apparently lost balance in deeper water and drowned.

Guards deployed at the kund immediately launched a rescue operation but could not locate him in the deep water.

A search operation that began around 9 am continued for nearly six hours.

Turak’s body was finally recovered at around 3 pm and sent to the Mahur Rural Hospital for post-mortem examination, officials said.

Senior administrative and police officials, including Tehsildar Abhijit Jagtap, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kirankumar Bhondve and Police Inspector Devidas Chopade, reached the spot and monitored the rescue operation.

Turak, who was engaged in mandap and event decoration work, is survived by his wife, mother and other family members.

His death has left behind a six-month-old daughter, relatives said.

The incident cast a pall of gloom over Mahur, a prominent pilgrimage centre, and Turak’s native village in Washim district.

The Narali Purnima Parikrama Yatra, which Turak participated in, is a significant event in the region, attracting many devotees.

The Matrutirth Kund is a historic and sacred site, and the incident has raised concerns about safety measures at such locations.

The authorities are likely to review the safety protocols in place to prevent such incidents in the future.

The death of the young devotee has sent shockwaves in the community, and his family and friends are mourning the loss.

The incident is a reminder of the risks and challenges associated with pilgrimage and the importance of ensuring safety and security for devotees.