Ghaggar tragedy: Faidan village grieves the death of its two sons

Another villager Gurpal Singh said, “Sukhdev’s father suffers from a respiratory disease while his mother too stays unwell. His married sister lives in Banur, while his elder brother met with an accident and fractured his back. Though he recovered, Sukhdev was the breadwinner. In the evenings, he would get medicines for his parents. He was a sincere son and loved by everyone.”

His brother Rana said the five friends had left in a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon. The families got to know of the mishap around 4 pm. Sukhdev, who knew how to swim, drowned while trying to save a friend.

Sonu’s family too was inconsolable. “We lost our father early and never imagined that another tragedy awaited us. There was a jagrata in the village on Tuesday and all five friends had gathered and left for Dera Bassi to relax after work. Sonu did odd jobs around the village to earn his livelihood. He had recently started a meat shop,” said his sister Kamlesh who lives in Bhaskar Colony.

Sonu is survived by his mother, two brothers and three sisters.

Villagers said Abhishek, Ajay and Dilbara – who were rescued on Wednesday – were discharged after being administered first aid and still in shock due to which they could not attend the last rites of their friends.