Key points
- Anil Kataria, owner of the popular Jiman Restaurant in Ratanada, and Harish Dewani, a renowned glass artist known for his trans-print and sandblasted glass creations, drowned under unclear circumstances in the swimming pool of their hotel on December 1.
- While foul play has not been confirmed, the mysterious nature of the deaths and the delay in recovery from the pool have raised concerns.
- The lives of two vibrant entrepreneurs were cut short in a matter of moments while they were simply trying to enjoy a vacation.
Hotel News-Crime, Accidents & Deaths: Mysterious Deaths During Family Vacation
Two respected businessmen from Jodhpur, India, tragically lost their lives while on a family holiday in Thailand. Anil Kataria, owner of the popular Jiman Restaurant in Ratanada, and Harish Dewani, a renowned glass artist known for his trans-print and sandblasted glass creations, drowned under unclear circumstances in the swimming pool of their hotel on December 1. The incident has left their families and the tight-knit Ratanada community in shock.

Two Indian businessmen on holiday drown under unclear circumstances in a Thailand hotel pool
Image Credit: AI-Generated by Grok
According to initial reports, the men entered the hotel’s swimming pool for an evening swim. When they failed to return to their rooms for over 90 minutes, their wives raised the alarm and informed hotel staff. CCTV footage reviewed by Thai authorities reportedly showed both men struggling in the water. This Hotel News-Crime, Accidents & Deaths report confirms that one may have drowned first and the other likely perished attempting a rescue. However, officials have yet to release a definitive explanation.
Grief at Home as Families Await the Return
Harish Dewani and Anil Kataria had been accompanied on the trip by their wives and children. Harish’s elder son and a close relative of Anil flew to Thailand shortly after the incident to handle legal and repatriation formalities. The process has now been completed, and the remains are expected to arrive in Jodhpur by Thursday evening.
Back in Ratanada, a somber mood prevails. Friends and neighbors have gathered at the families’ homes, though many are too stunned to speak. Anil’s elderly father has not yet been informed due to concerns over his fragile health. The community remembers Harish not only as a master craftsman but also as an educator who conducted online glass engraving workshops for international students.
Unanswered Questions Linger
While foul play has not been confirmed, the mysterious nature of the deaths and the delay in recovery from the pool have raised concerns. Authorities in Thailand are continuing their investigations and have not yet provided any updates on autopsy results or other findings.
This heartbreaking incident has brought sorrow to two families and left behind a trail of unanswered questions. The lives of two vibrant entrepreneurs were cut short in a matter of moments while they were simply trying to enjoy a vacation. The entire Ratanada neighborhood remains in mourning, and many await further clarity once the grieving families return to India.
Local authorities are preventing the disclosure of the city and the hotel in which the drowning occurred.
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