Noida Youth Feared Drowned During Idol Immersion in Delhi's Mayur Vihar Canal
A tragic incident unfolded in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar on Saturday evening when a 20-year-old man from Noida was feared drowned while immersing an idol in a canal that leads to the Yamuna river. The victim, identified as Vikas, a resident of Harola in Noida, was part of a group of approximately eight to ten people who had come to the canal for the religious ritual.
Eyewitness Account of the Tragic Event
According to eyewitnesses who informed the police, Vikas was among four individuals who waded into the water for the immersion. In a sudden turn of events, he lost his balance and was swept away by strong currents before any rescue attempt could be made. The three other members of the group managed to return safely to the bank, but Vikas disappeared into the turbulent waters.
Massive Multi-Agency Search Operation Launched
The Uttar Pradesh police promptly alerted the Mayur Vihar police station about the incident, leading to an immediate response from local law enforcement. The search-and-rescue operation quickly escalated with the involvement of multiple agencies. The UP State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) joined the efforts, followed by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and ambulance services.
Harish, in charge of the Delhi boat club, reported that four boats and fourteen divers were deployed to scour the canal and adjacent stretches of the Yamuna river. Despite these extensive efforts, Vikas remained untraced as of Sunday night.
Challenges Hamper Rescue Efforts
The search operation faced significant obstacles due to poor visibility and inadequate lighting in the area. These conditions forced authorities to suspend the operation at 12:30 AM on Sunday. The search resumed at 6:20 AM with renewed determination, but the challenging environment continued to impede progress.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with water bodies during religious ceremonies, particularly when strong currents and limited visibility create hazardous conditions for participants.
