Kerala grants state honours to flood rescue hero Rajesh R, who died saving stranded farmer
Rajesh R, a swimming and disaster rescue instructor, drowned after providing his life jacket to an old farmer he was rescuing.
On August 1, Rajesh R, a swimming and disaster rescue instructor, was honored with state recognition by the Kerala government for his heroic actions during the recent flood crisis in Cherupuzha, Kannur district. However, Rajesh's life was tragically cut short while saving a man named S Benny, a farmer who had become stranded between a river and dense forests along the Kerala-Karnataka border in Meenthully.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan personally visited Rajesh's family in Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, to offer condolences for the loss. The government subsequently pledged to fund the completion of Rajesh's under-construction house in recognition of his selfless sacrifice.
On the day of the rescue mission, Rajesh, along with his associates Shibin and Jithin, volunteered to assist Benny, who was perilously close to the fast-flowing river during the heavy rains. Acting swiftly, Rajesh handed over his life jacket to Benny after observing the farmer's struggle against the strong current. Despite the efforts of all three, including Jithin and Shibin, who safely reached the shore via a rescue rope, Rajesh was ultimately swept away by the swollen river. His body was recovered on August 4.
The Chief Minister's description of Rajesh's death as "truly heartbreaking" reflects the profound sense of loss felt across the state. Rajesh's ultimate sacrifice and unwavering commitment to helping others will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
