Kerala Bids Farewell to Rajesh, Who Died During Rescue Operation in Kannur

Thiruvananthapuram: The final rites of Rajesh (37), a native of Thiruvananthapuram, who died after being swept away by strong currents during a rescue operation at Meenthulli Thuruthu in Cherupuzha panchayat, Kannur, were held with official honours.

Hundreds of people, including public representatives, attended the funeral and paid their final respects.

Rajesh’s body was recovered from Kocheri Thuruthu near Idavaram Kana Peedika in the Kariangode River, which flows from Muntari in the Karnataka forests through Kanamvayal and reaches Pulingome. The body was found lying face-up amid thick vegetation on an islet in the middle of the river.

A team of rafters conducting a search operation found the body at around 12.45 pm on Tuesday.

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

Rajesh, a swimming instructor at Meenthulli Waterfalls, along with his friends Shibin and rafter Jithin, swam across the overflowing river to rescue Benny. After reaching the islet, Rajesh gave his life jacket to Benny and began crossing the river on his return journey.

He was swept away by the powerful current after losing his grip on a safety rope. Although he attempted to swim to safety, he drowned. It is suspected that the extreme cold in the water may have caused his body to become stiff, making it difficult for him to continue swimming.

An adventure enthusiast, Rajesh had previously participated in rescue operations in Wayanad. He was the president of the ADAMS Club, an adventure and disaster management club, and had been working as a rappelling instructor at Idavaram for the past three months. He was also a member of the national throwball team.

After learning that Rajesh had been swept away, around 20 people, including his elder brothers S V Binil and Rana Sukumaran, and Kalliyoor grama panchayat member K Mahesh, travelled from Thiruvananthapuram to Pulingome on Sunday.