Hero to one family, heartbreak to his own: Rajesh dies saving 61-year-old Benny

KANNUR/VIZHINJAM: Rajesh, 36, who gave his own life jacket to save a 61-year-old man trapped in a swollen river, has died after being swept away by the current during the rescue operation in Kannur. The body of Rajesh, a native of Kalliyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, was recovered on Tuesday near the Pulingome Bridge in the Kariangode River. He had gone missing on Saturday while rescuing a stranded man from a rain-swollen river.

Rajesh, son of Rajasekharan and Geetha of Rajesh Bhavan, Kalliyoor, was an experienced swimmer and a rappelling instructor at the Meenthulli Waterfalls. He had joined the rescue mission after 61-year-old Benny of Koluvalli became stranded on an islet at Meenthulli following heavy rain.

Along with fellow rescuers Shibin and rafter Jithin, Rajesh swam across the nearly 40-metre-wide, overflowing Kariyankode River to reach Benny, who was stranded about 50 metres from the riverbank.

The rescuers first threw a long rope towards Benny. However, while attempting to secure it to a nearby coconut tree, Benny's finger became caught in the rope and was injured. By the time the rescuers managed to free his finger, Rajesh had already swum to him.

Rajesh removed his own life jacket and made Benny wear it before beginning the return journey. With Benny leading, Shibin and Jithin positioned in the middle, and Rajesh at the rear holding the safety rope, the team attempted to cross back to the riverbank. Just before reaching safety, Rajesh lost his grip on the rope in the strong current and was swept away.

Rajesh was a member of the Adventure Disaster Society and had been in Kannur for the past month as part of a training programme. He had briefly returned home a week earlier before going back.

A sportsperson as well, Rajesh was a member of the national throwball team. He had also participated in rescue operations during the Wayanad disaster and had trained NCC cadets in trekking.

His mortal remains will be brought to his hometown on Wednesday. The body will be kept for public homage at 10 a.m. near the Thettivila Primary Health Centre, and the funeral will be held at 11 a.m.

Rajesh is survived by his wife, Shafiya; sons Arshan and Abhishek; and sister Asha Vinod.

Family faces second tragedy

Rajesh's death is the second major tragedy to strike the family in two years. His younger brother, Ranjith, died after falling from a train two years ago, and the family had yet to recover from that loss.

Relatives said Rajesh was the family's sole breadwinner. They also said his house is under the threat of attachment and that construction of a house allotted under the LIFE Mission housing scheme remains incomplete.