Tragedy Strikes During Ram Navami Holy Bath in Saran District
A solemn Ram Navami celebration turned tragic in Bihar's Saran district on Friday morning when an 18-year-old girl drowned and two others went missing during a holy bath in the Ganga river. The incident occurred at the Ganiyari Ganga ghat under the Desri police station area, casting a pall over the festive occasion.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 7 am when a group of women and girls from Nayagaon Bariyarpur village entered the river for a traditional dip to mark Ram Navami. Five individuals were suddenly swept into deep waters by the strong current. Bystanders and devotees present at the ghat managed to pull three to safety, but the swift flow of the river proved fatal for one.
The deceased has been identified as Seema Kumari, daughter of the late Ritthu Rai. Her body was recovered from the river and later handed over to her family after a post-mortem examination at Hajipur Sadar Hospital.
Intensive Search Operation Launched
Following the incident, a large crowd gathered at the spot and alerted the Desri police. Authorities swiftly mobilized a comprehensive search and rescue operation involving local divers, experienced boatmen, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Despite these efforts, two young women remain missing and are feared to have drowned. They have been identified as:
- Soni Kumari (19), the sister of the deceased Seema Kumari.
- Anchal Kumari (21), daughter of Upendra Rai.
Desri Block Development Officer Praveen Kumar and Station House Officer Abhishek Kumar rushed to the scene to oversee the operations. "Seema's body was handed over to her family after post-mortem at Hajipur sadar hospital. The others are feared to have drowned in the strong current of the Ganga, and efforts are on to recover their bodies," stated SHO Abhishek Kumar.
Community in Mourning as Rescue Continues
The local community is in a state of shock and mourning as the search for the missing individuals continues. The Ganga's currents are notoriously strong in this region, posing significant challenges to rescue teams. Authorities have emphasized the dangers associated with bathing in the river, especially during festive gatherings when crowds can lead to accidents.
This tragic event underscores the need for enhanced safety measures at popular ghats during major religious festivals. As families await news of their loved ones, the focus remains on the ongoing recovery operation in the hope of bringing closure to the affected families.
