Two Indian Nationals Drown in Never Never River Tragedy
Sachin Khillan, 32, and Sahil Batra, 33, both Indian nationals, drowned on Sunday evening in the Never Never River at Gleniffer on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. The tragic incident occurred around 6:45 PM during the Australia Day long weekend while they were with their partners and friends. Emergency services recovered the men from the water, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Incident Details
On Sunday, January 28, at approximately 6:45 PM, Sachin Khillan and Sahil Batra were at John Locke Place in Gleniffer, near Bellingen, on the Never Never River. According to a friend, the men entered the water believing it to be shallow, influenced by a nearby "no diving" sign. Family members stated they entered shallow water and were subsequently swept away by a strong current.
Emergency services, including paramedics, responded to the scene. Both men were recovered from the river, but attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.
Individuals Involved and Health Impacts
Sachin Khillan, 32, worked as a carpentry trainer at Nova Institute of Technology in Sydney. Sahil Batra, 33, had relocated to Australia from India in 2022 with his wife, Sakshi Arora. Ms. Arora, who is seven months pregnant, was transported to a hospital and treated for shock.
Mr. Khillan's fiancée sustained injuries while attempting to assist and was transported to Coffs Harbour Health Campus, where she remains in serious condition. Additionally, another man in his 30s who had been submerged in the water was also transported to a hospital.
Family Statements and Repatriation Efforts
In a joint statement, the families of Mr. Khillan and Mr. Batra indicated that both men possessed basic swimming skills and that the events transpired quickly.
"They urged the public to exercise caution in unfamiliar waters, noting that seemingly calm water can conceal dangers."
Both men were the sole financial providers for their elderly parents, who are reported to have critical medical conditions. The families are seeking to repatriate the men's bodies to India. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the repatriation process, cover funeral expenses, and provide assistance to their parents. As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had accumulated over $125,000 towards a $200,000 goal, with contributions from both Australian and Indian communities. Mr. Khillan's employer, Nova Institute of Technology, released a statement acknowledging his death and commending his dedication and professionalism.
Ongoing Investigation
A crime scene has been established at the location of the incident. Authorities are preparing a report for the coroner regarding the deaths.