Pinarayi Vijayan Condoles the Death of Rajesh, Who Drowned During a Rescue Operation in Kannur

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed condolences over the death of Rajesh, a native of Thiruvananthapuram who drowned after being swept away by strong currents while carrying out a rescue operation in Kannur.

Rajesh, a native of Kizhakke Thettivila in Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, died while attempting to rescue a person stranded on an islet at Meenthulli in Pulingome. Pinarayi Vijayan described the incident as deeply painful.

A swimming instructor, Rajesh had rescued a man trapped in floodwaters before being swept away and losing his life.

Rajesh, who worked as an instructor at Meenthulli Waterfalls, rescued farmer Benny, who had been stranded on the islet. While returning, Rajesh gave his own life jacket to Benny to ensure his safety and then attempted to swim back across the river. He was caught in the powerful current and swept away.

“By giving his own life jacket to save another person, Rajesh left behind an enduring mark of extraordinary sacrifice and humanity. His selfless sacrifice will always be remembered,” Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The Opposition Leader said he shared the grief of Rajesh’s family, relatives and the people of his native place.

Rajesh’s body was recovered on the fourth day after he was swept away. The body was found at Kocheri Thuruthu near Idavaram Kana Peedika in the Kariangode River, which flows from Muntari in the Karnataka forests through Kanamvayal and reaches Pulingome. It was found among thick vegetation on an islet in the middle of the river.

Heavy rain and landslides in the Karnataka forests and surrounding areas, including Othiri Kozhichal, on Saturday evening had caused the water level in the Kariangode River to rise sharply. After the river overflowed, Benny, a farmer stranded on the islet, was rescued.

Rajesh was returning across the river with his friends when he lost his grip on a safety rope and was swept away by the strong current. He had given his life jacket to Benny and was attempting to cross the river when the current pulled him away. Although he tried to swim to safety, he drowned.