Shoaib and Mukarram jump into the powerful waters of the Shakti Canal after a woman allegedly threw her two daughters into the canal before jumping in herself
NEW DELHI — In a powerful example of courage and humanity, two Muslim youths in Uttarakhand risked their own lives to save two young Hindu girls from drowning after their mother allegedly jumped into the Shakti Canal with them in Vikasnagar, Dehradun district.
The incident took place on May 16 and has drawn widespread praise across social media and local communities after videos of the rescue operation surfaced online.
According to officials and locals, a woman identified as Kiran Chandel allegedly threw her two daughters into the fast-flowing Shakti Canal before jumping into the water herself.
At that moment, two local Muslim youths, Shoaib and Mukarram, reportedly witnessed the incident and immediately jumped into the dangerous canal waters without thinking about their own safety.
Eyewitnesses said the canal was flowing with strong force and the rescue operation was extremely risky.
One resident said, “The water current was very powerful. People standing nearby were terrified. But Shoaib and Mukarram did not hesitate even for a second.”
Videos from the scene show the two youths struggling against the strong current while trying to rescue the children from the canal.
According to witnesses, both young men managed to pull the girls out of the water after a difficult rescue effort.
After bringing the children out safely, Shoaib reportedly held the girls close to his chest and ran towards medical help without wasting any time.
Doctors later confirmed that the two girls survived because of the quick response and bravery shown by the rescuers.
However, despite rescue efforts, the girls’ mother Kiran Chandel was swept away by the strong current and could not be saved.
The next day, on May 17, teams from the State Disaster Response Force recovered her body near Dak Pathar Power House and handed it over to local police authorities.
The bravery of the two Muslim youths has been widely appreciated by people from different communities, many describing the incident as a reminder that humanity rises above religious identity.
One resident of Vikasnagar said, “The girls belonged to a Hindu family, but Shoaib and Mukarram did not think about religion before risking their own lives. They only saw children in danger.”
Another local man said, “This is real humanity. These boys jumped into death to save innocent lives.”
Senior police officials in Dehradun also recognised the courage shown during the rescue.
Dehradun Police invited Shoaib and Mukarram to the office of the Rural Superintendent of Police, where both youths were honoured for their bravery and selfless action.
A police official said the two young men displayed “extraordinary courage and humanity” by entering dangerous waters to save the children.
Residents in the area said the incident has deeply moved people because stories of communal tension often dominate headlines, while acts of humanity across religious lines receive less attention.
A teacher from the area said, “At a time when society is divided by hatred and suspicion, these boys reminded everyone what real humanity looks like.”
Social media users also praised the rescue effort, with many calling Shoaib and Mukarram “heroes” for saving the lives of the two girls.
The incident in Vikasnagar has become a rare moment of unity and compassion, where the bravery of two Muslim youths is being celebrated not for their religion, but for their willingness to risk everything to save innocent children.
For many locals, the rescue stands as proof that humanity and compassion still survive even during difficult and divided times.
