Mishap claims life of former journalist in Chamkaur Sahib

Patiala: Swaran Singh Bhangu, 71, a former journalist, rural educationist and husband of Punjabi actress Gurpreet Kaur Bhangu, died after accidentally falling into an uncovered municipal drain in Sri Chamkaur Sahib in Ropar district on Wednesday night. Police said information about the incident was received on Thursday morning.According to information, Bhangu left his home for his daily bicycle ride but failed to return. A short time later, locals noticed a gathering near a large open drain a short distance from his residence. On checking, Bhangu was found in the water alongside his bicycle. Passers-by pulled him out of the drain and rushed him to the Civil Hospital in Sri Chamkaur Sahib after finding him unresponsive, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.SHO Chamkaur Sahib Gurvinder Singh Dhillon said that incident took place at around 9 PM on Wednesday. The SHO said that no case was registered as Bhangu's family claimed it was an accidental death. Dhillon added that Bhangu was earlier associated with a Punjabi daily newspaper, and added that Bhangu was survived by son and daughter who were settled abroad. Local residents said Bhangu previously pledged to donate his body to medical research, and his remains would be handed over to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.On Saturday, a convoy of family members, relatives and well-wishers were expected to escort his body to PGIMER, Chandigarh. "His sudden demise leaves an irreplaceable void for his family, friends, and the broader Punjabi cultural community", said local resident Paramvir Singh. MSID: 131533129 413 |