Tragedy Strikes Chaiti Chhath: Three Youths Drown in Ganga, Search for One Continues
Synopsis
A heartbreaking incident disrupted the Chaiti Chhath celebrations in Patna, where three youths drowned in the Ganga. As search efforts continue for the missing individual, authorities urge the public to prioritize safety during religious gatherings.
Key Takeaways
Three youths drowned during Chaiti Chhath in Patna.
Search operations are underway for the missing youth.
Authorities emphasize safety protocols during public gatherings.
Local residents initiated immediate rescue efforts.
Two bodies have been recovered and identified.
Patna, March 25 (NationPress) - A sorrowful event overshadowed the festivities of Chaiti Chhath on Wednesday in Patna City, where three young men tragically drowned while taking a sacred dip in the Ganga at Damrahi Ghat, located under the jurisdiction of the Malsalami police station.
The police reported that numerous devotees had gathered at the ghat since dawn to partake in Chhath rituals.
During the ceremony, five young men entered the river for bathing, but the sudden depth and strong currents caused three of them to lose their footing and be swept away.
While two successfully returned to the bank, the other three found themselves ensnared in the turbulent waters.
Local residents quickly initiated rescue operations and alerted the authorities.
Officers from the Malsalami police station arrived promptly, and with the assistance of divers, managed to retrieve two of the youths, who were subsequently transported to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital. Unfortunately, medical staff pronounced them dead.
The deceased have been identified as Ganesh Kumar (18) and Rohit Kumar (19), both hailing from Hanuman Nagar in Patna.
The third individual, named Sibu, remains unaccounted for. Search operations are actively ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force deployed to locate him in the river.
The incident sparked chaos and distress at the ghat, leaving the families of the victims heartbroken.
Dr. Gaurav Kumar, SDPO-II of Patna City, indicated that initial findings suggest the youths may have been caught in the powerful currents while attempting to take selfies.
He confirmed that two bodies have been recovered, while the search continues for the third youth.
Officials have reiterated that despite multiple warnings, many individuals disregard safety measures at riverbanks, often venturing into deeper areas or engaging in risky behaviors like taking selfies and recording videos, which heighten the likelihood of accidents.
The administration has once again urged devotees and the general public to exercise caution, adhere strictly to safety guidelines, and refrain from entering deep waters, particularly during large gatherings like Chhath, to avert such tragedies in the future.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the need for increased awareness regarding safety protocols during public gatherings. This incident serves as a reminder that adherence to guidelines can prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Chaiti Chhath celebrations in Patna?
Three youths drowned in the Ganga while taking a holy dip at Damrahi Ghat, prompting rescue efforts and search operations by local authorities.
What safety measures are being emphasized after the incident?
Authorities are urging the public to follow safety guidelines, avoid entering deep waters, and refrain from risky behaviors like taking selfies while near the riverbank.
Who were the victims of the drowning incident?
The deceased have been identified as Ganesh Kumar (18) and Rohit Kumar (19), while a third individual, Sibu, remains missing.
What is being done to find the missing youth?
Search operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force deployed to locate the missing youth in the river.
How can such incidents be prevented in the future?
Increased public awareness, adherence to safety protocols, and responsible behavior during religious gatherings are essential to prevent similar tragedies.
