A tragic incident unfolded in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district on Tuesday evening, where a young couple, facing family opposition to their relationship, allegedly attempted suicide by jumping into a fast-flowing canal.
The Fatal Decision at Bombay Company Bridge
According to the Macherla Town Police, the incident occurred around 4 pm near the Bombay Company bridge over the Nagarjunasagar right canal. The couple has been identified as Veerla Govardhan Yadav and Dasari Srilakshmi, both residents of Macherla town.
Police reports indicate that the two had been in a relationship for some time. While their families were reportedly aware of their bond, serious objections were raised when the couple expressed their firm intention to get married. Failing to convince their families and seemingly left with no other option, the duo is believed to have taken the extreme step.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Search Operation
Upon witnessing the couple jump into the powerful currents of the canal, alert local residents immediately sprang into action. They managed to retrieve the body of Dasari Srilakshmi from the waters shortly after the incident. However, Veerla Govardhan Yadav remains missing.
The Macherla police, who reached the spot promptly, have registered a case and launched an intensive search operation. Expert swimmers and dedicated rescue teams have been deployed to scour the length of the canal in hopes of locating Govardhan. The search operations are ongoing as authorities work against time and challenging water conditions.
Community and Police Response
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community in Macherla. Such extreme steps taken by young individuals highlight the severe emotional distress caused by familial and social pressures regarding marriage. The police are investigating the sequence of events leading to the tragedy and have initiated proceedings based on the statements from the families and eyewitnesses.
This heartbreaking event underscores a persistent social issue where young couples, caught between personal choice and family approval, sometimes see no way out. It serves as a grim reminder of the need for dialogue and support systems to address such sensitive conflicts within families.
