What Happened to the Girl Missing in the Sindh River Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Six young girls were involved in a tragic incident during a religious ritual.
- Five girls were rescued, while one remains missing.
- Ongoing rescue operations involve police and disaster response teams.
- The Sindh River has a history of dangerous currents, especially during rituals.
- Calls for improved safety measures are gaining momentum.
Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Sep 21 (NationPress) A tragic event occurred in Sevada, Datia district, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday when six young girls involved in the traditional ‘Mamulia Visarjan’ ritual were caught by the powerful currents of the Sindh River.
This ritual, observed during Pitru Paksha, includes children immersing flower-adorned bushes (Mamulias) into rivers or ponds as a way to honor their ancestors. The girls arrived at the river around 7:30 a.m. for this immersion when disaster struck. Local residents at the scene successfully rescued five of the girls; however, 12-year-old Simran Khatik is still missing, according to a police report.
Rescue efforts are currently in progress, with teams from the police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) searching the river. Divers were eventually deployed at the Sankua ghat, but their absence during the initial incident has complicated the search, as per police officials.
This is the second drowning incident in the Sindh River within just two days.
On Saturday, a Navy soldier tragically lost his life while swimming in the river near Uchad village. His body was found the next morning, which again raises issues regarding emergency response protocols.
These ongoing tragedies have raised alarms among locals and community leaders who are urging for enhanced safety measures and faster action from disaster management teams.
The Sindh River, notorious for its unpredictable currents, has become a site of frequent tragedies, particularly during religious events. As the search for Simran continues, her family and the community remain hopeful for a miracle amidst their sorrow.
This incident has overshadowed the sacred Mamulia Visarjan tradition, transforming a moment meant for ancestral homage into one of grief and despair.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the delayed response, but demands for accountability and improved safety protocols near riverbanks during festive occasions are intensifying.