IAF staffer posted at NDA drowns in Khadakwasla canal, body recovered after 26-hr search

Pune: A 35-year-old sergeant of the Indian Air Force posted at the National Defence Academy (NDA) was found dead in the Khadakwasla canal on Monday afternoon, more than 26 hours after he allegedly fell into the canal water around 12.30pm on Sunday.

Sergeant Rajesh Kumar Verma, an air warrior posted at the NDA, had gone on a picnic with friends near the canal outside the academy campus on Sunday morning. According to NDA officials, Verma accidentally slipped into the fast-flowing canal waters and was swiftly swept away by the strong currents. His colleagues attempted to rescue him, but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the force of the water.

A massive search operation was launched soon after, involving military units from Pune, including personnel from the No. 2 Wing of the Indian Air Force, along with the local police, PMRDA divers, fire brigade teams and ambulance services.

Police, however, said Verma and his friends had entered the canal for a swim when he went missing. Senior inspector Atul Bhos of the Nanded City police station said Verma was unable to get out of the water due to strong currents. “Fire brigade personnel, local residents and rescue teams searched extensively on Sunday but could not locate him till late in the night. The operation was resumed on Monday morning,” Bhos said.

His body was eventually recovered around 2.40pm on Monday from the Mutha Right Bank Canal near Nanded Phata, about 1.5km downstream from the spot where he disappeared. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead, rescuers said.

NDA rescue team saves woman

During the search operation on Monday morning, rescue teams also saved the life of a woman who was found being swept away in the canal’s strong currents. Divers and rescuers already deployed in the area spotted her and quickly brought her to safety. Medical personnel from the NDA administered emergency treatment on the spot before shifting her to the Sassoon General Hospital. Officials said the woman was unconscious when rescued but regained consciousness after prompt medical intervention. Her condition is now reported to be stable, though her identity is yet to be established.