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Donations Pass $100,000 After Never Never River Drownings

Fundraising is targeting $200,000 to repatriate the men’s bodies to India.

Overview

  • The victims were identified as Sachin Khillan, 31, and Sahil Batra, 32, Indian nationals who had been living in Sydney.
  • Family and friends say the pair stepped into what they believed was shallow water when a sudden current or deep hole pulled them under on Sunday evening.
  • First responders recovered three people from the river at Gleniffer; two men could not be revived, a third man was treated, and a pregnant woman was taken to hospital for shock and later released.
  • Police established a crime scene at the site and said a report will be prepared for the coroner.
  • A GoFundMe organized by friends has topped $100,000 toward a $200,000 goal to return the bodies, with families noting both men supported elderly parents and were widely mourned, including a tribute from Khillan’s employer.