Srinagar, Jan 12(KNS): Nearly two years after the Gandbal boat capsizing incident in Srinagar that left eight people dead, the discovery of what appears to be a human foot along the banks of the Jhelum has revived memories of the tragedy and renewed hopes of closure for a family that has waited since April 2024.

The remains were spotted on Sunday by local residents engaged in sand collection near Gandbal Batawara.

According to eyewitnesses, the foot appeared old and partially decomposed and was found embedded in the sand close to the riverbank. The residents immediately informed the police.

Police teams reached the spot and cordoned off the area. Officials said the origin of the remains has not yet been confirmed and forensic examination will be required to establish identity.

The discovery has triggered speculation in the area that the remains may belong to Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, a 40-year-old mason from Gandbal Batawara who went missing during the boat capsizing incident on April 16, 2024.

While bodies of the other victims were recovered, Showkat’s body was never found despite extensive rescue operations.

Following the incident, search teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and MARCOs carried out large-scale operations along the Jhelum for several days.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Boats, divers and equipment were deployed across multiple stretches of the river, but the operation was eventually called off after no further bodies were traced.

Residents said the absence of Showkat’s body left his family without closure.

“There was no confirmation, no final rites,” a local resident said. “The family has been waiting since then.”

After Sunday’s discovery, the SDRF’s Quick Response Team (QRT) for the Jhelum resumed search operations at Gandbal Batawara on Monday morning to trace the missing body. Officials said the renewed operation is focused on locating additional remains in the river and nearby areas.

An SDRF official said the search is being conducted as per standard procedures and any recovered material will be sent for forensic analysis.

Local residents gathered near the riverbank as rescue teams resumed work, many recalling the earlier operation and the uncertainty that followed its suspension.(KNS).