A man tragically lost his life while excavating sand from the Jhelum River in the Hajibal, Kakapora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Raqib Ahmad, son of Mohammad Ismail Dar, a resident of Hajibal, currently residing in Lethpora, Kakapora.

Officials reported that the incident occurred during the early hours, and despite efforts to rescue him, Raqib succumbed to the mishap.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.