What Happened to the Six Youths Who Drowned in Damodar River?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Dhanbad, six youths drowned in the Damodar River during a religious ritual. While four bodies have been recovered, the search for the remaining two is ongoing. Locals demand action against illegal sand mining, which they believe has contributed to the tragedy. This heartbreaking event highlights the need for safety measures in such areas.
Key Takeaways
- Four of the six youths have been recovered.
- Strong currents in the river are a significant risk.
- Illegal sand mining may have altered the river's flow.
- Community action is crucial for safety improvements.
- The search operation is ongoing for the remaining two youths.
Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Nov 6 (NationPress) Tragically, four of the six young men who drowned while swimming in the Damodar River near the Telmocho Bridge on the Dhanbad-Bokaro highway were recovered, while efforts to locate the other two continue, according to officials on Thursday.
One of the deceased has been identified as Vijay Yadav, residing in Bhuli A-Block in Dhanbad. Local divers, along with villagers, are persistently searching for the two missing youths.
The group had come to the river to perform a holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. Two distinct groups of ten youths each arrived at Telmocho for the ceremony.
The first group, hailing from Bhimkanali under the jurisdiction of the Baghmara police station, entered the river around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Five of them were caught in a strong current. Villagers managed to rescue three, but two – Sumit Rai (17) and Sunny Chauhan (21) – remain unaccounted for.
The second group consisted of youths from Bhuli A-Block. Five – Vijay Yadav, Rohit alias Chhotu, Rohan alias Golu, Priyanshu, and Anish – went to the riverbank for a swim.
Priyanshu remained on the bank while the other four ventured into the water. When they failed to return, Priyanshu searched for them and subsequently informed their families.
Tension mounted in the area as the bodies were not located by Thursday morning. Angry locals and family members blocked the Dhanbad-Bokaro main road, demanding more action and an enhanced rescue operation.
Police and civil officials arrived at the scene and successfully persuaded them to lift the blockade.
Locals claim that illegal sand mining in the Damodar River has altered its depth and flow, heightening the risk of drowning incidents. They urged the administration to take stringent measures to avert further tragedies.
Baghmara Block Development Officer Girjanand Kisku confirmed that six youths from Bhimkanali and Bhuli drowned in the river’s swift current, with four bodies retrieved thus far.
“The search for the remaining two continues. The NDRF team has not yet arrived at the location. The operation will be intensified upon their arrival,” he stated.
Point of View
I emphasize the need for immediate action and accountability. The community's concerns regarding illegal sand mining must be addressed thoroughly to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. This tragedy sheds light on the urgent need for safety measures at popular bathing sites.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many youths drowned in the Damodar River?
Six youths drowned while bathing in the Damodar River, with four bodies recovered and two still missing.
What caused the drowning incident?
Strong currents in the river, possibly exacerbated by illegal sand mining, contributed to the drowning incident.
What actions are being taken to find the missing youths?
Local divers and the community are actively searching for the missing youths, and the NDRF team will assist in the operation.
What are locals demanding from the authorities?
Locals are demanding immediate action against illegal sand mining and improved safety measures in the area.
Who confirmed the details of the incident?
The Baghmara Block Development Officer, Girjanand Kisku, confirmed the details regarding the drowning incident.
