Tragedy at a shrine pond in Sarmathura
Four members of the same family, including three sisters, drowned in a pond near a shrine in the Sarmathura area of Dholpur early on Sunday, police said. The victims had gone to the shrine as part of Rakshabandhan observances and took a holy dip in the pond when the incident occurred, a local police official reported.
The deceased have been identified as Boto, 25; Manorama, 22; their cousin Kallo, 18; and the brothers’ Ravi, 21. The women and Ravi were from the village of Nathuvapura-Moroli and had gone to the Birja village shrine of the folk deity Heeraman Baba with extended family members on Saturday evening, the official said.
According to the official account, Ravi entered the pond first and became trapped in a deeper section. Seeing him in distress, Boto, Manorama and Kallo jumped in one after another to attempt a rescue. None of the three women knew how to swim, the police said. Onlookers and local villagers later retrieved the bodies of the three women early Sunday morning. Ravi’s body was located only after a search operation that lasted around six hours.
Immediate response and recovery
Local villagers and rescue teams were involved in the recovery operation. The police official said the pond is adjacent to the shrine where the family had gone to offer prayers. Medical teams were called in and the bodies were taken for post-mortem examinations as per routine procedure, the official added.
The incident has shocked the community as the family had travelled back to their native village to mark Rakshabandhan with relatives. The four deaths have drawn widespread grief locally and raised questions about safety at rural water bodies that are used during religious visits and festivals.
Victim details
| Relation | Name | Age | Village |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sister | Boto | 25 | Nathuvapura-Moroli |
| Sister | Manorama | 22 | Nathuvapura-Moroli |
| Cousin sister | Kallo | 18 | Nathuvapura-Moroli |
| Brother | Ravi | 21 | Nathuvapura-Moroli |
Local context and safety concerns
Incidents of drowning at village ponds and temple tanks are not uncommon in rural Rajasthan, particularly during festivals when families gather for ritual dips. In this case, the victims' unfamiliarity with swimming was cited by the police. The episode underscores the risks posed by unguarded or uneven water bodies where sudden drop-offs or unseen currents can trap swimmers.
- Festival timing: The family had returned to their native village for Rakshabandhan celebrations.
- Location: Pond near Heeraman Baba shrine, Birja village, Sarmathura area, Dholpur.
- Recovery: Bodies of the three women were recovered early Sunday; Ravi’s body recovered after approximately six hours of searching.
Next steps
The police have registered the incident and standard post-mortem and investigation procedures are underway, the official said. Relatives of the victims are being informed and local authorities are expected to coordinate with the family for last rites following completion of formalities.
The deaths have prompted appeals from residents for better warnings, barricading and safety measures at village ponds that are frequently used during religious visits. Officials may face calls to examine whether signage, life-saving equipment or volunteer watch arrangements should be introduced at such sites to prevent repeat tragedies.
The Dholpur administration did not immediately release details on any plan to inspect or secure the pond. Further updates will follow as the investigation and formal procedures proceed.
