New Delhi, Dec 17 (UNI) The body of 15-year-old Indian football player Nitisha Negi has arrived here from Australia.
Several people and organisations gathered here at Garhwal Bhavan on Saturday, received the body and paid their condolences to the bereaved family.
Nitisha Negi was among the five Indian girls who were swept away in the sea whilst at Glenelg beach in Adelaide (Australia) on last Sunday. While other four girls were saved, Nitisha was found dead.
“The life-savers successfully managed to rescue three of the five girls at first before rescuing the fourth near Holdfast Marina. The body of the deceased, identified as 15-year-old Nitisha Negi, was recovered by the police near Glenelg, the media reports had said.
The girls were part of under-18 team representing India in the Pacific School Games and were swimming near breakwater rocks when they were swept away, according to Adelaide Now.
Despite launching an emergency search for Nitisha on last Sunday, operations had to be called off later in the day owing to poor light.
School Sports Australia put out a statement following the tragedy. “Following the completion of the Games on Saturday there was a tragic accident at Glenelg beach yesterday which has taken the life of one of the members of the visiting Indian delegation,” it stated.
“All involved in the Games send our condolences to the Indian team, family and friends of the deceased student. The thoughts of all in the Pacific School Games family are also with the four members of the team who are still in hospital. School Sport Australia is offering full support and assistance to the Indian Delegation,” it added.
There have been previous cases of drowning near the breakwater section of the Glenelg. Last year, two 11-year-old boys had drowned in the same place. Back in 2007, a 17-year-old had drowned near breakwater owing to the strong currents in the area.
Nitisha's father has demanded probe into the incident.
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