Baramulla, Jul 15 (UNI) An octogenarian drowned in the river Jehlum in north Kashmir district of Bandipora on Thursday, official source said.

Eighty-year-old Ghulam Mohammad was performing ablution for “ Fajr” (morning prayers) on the river bank at Bangar Mohalla Hajin in Bandipora when he suddenly slipped and fell into it.

Rescue operation was immediately launched but he could not be saved. Later, the body was retrieved from a distance and handed over to family after medical and legal formalities, they said.

UNI