Official faces suspension for draining massive reservoir to retrieve lost phone

Rajesh Vishwas, Indian food officer, accidentally dropped his Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra into the 15-feet deep water while taking a selfie during his holiday at the Kherkatta Dam.

Desperate to get the device back, Vishwas took matters into his own hands and got two diesel pumps to work continuously for three days to empty the reservoir. About 21 lakh litres of water, which would have irrigated 1,500 acres of farmland, were pumped out before the operation was stopped by an official from the Department of Irrigation and Water Resources.

Vishwas claimed that he received verbal permission from his senior, who reportedly said that draining three to four feet of water wouldn't be an issue and could benefit local farmers. However, the water resources department official later revealed that he had only approved the draining of up to five feet, and much more water was taken out.

The government has since suspended Rajesh Vishwas pending an investigation into the matter. State Cabinet Minister Amarajeet Bhagat stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the facts of the case.

Meanwhile, Vishwas's phone, despite attempts to retrieve it, is no longer working after a long stay in the depths.