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Dhanbad River Tragedy: Six Youths Drown in Damodar's Deadly Current

A tragic incident unfolded in Dhanbad as six young men drowned while bathing in the Damodar River during Kartik Purnima celebrations. The victims were part of two separate groups that had come for the traditional holy dip near Telmocho Bridge. Strong currents swept them away despite rescue attempts by villagers who managed to save three others. Local authorities confirmed four bodies have been recovered while search operations continue for the remaining two missing youths.

Key Points: Six Youths Drown in Damodar River Dhanbad Four Bodies Found

  • Six youths drowned while taking holy dip during Kartik Purnima festival
  • Four bodies recovered while search continues for two missing victims
  • Local divers and villagers conducting rescue operations amid strong currents
  • Angry locals blocked Dhanbad-Bokaro highway demanding better rescue efforts
  • Illegal sand mining blamed for altering river depth and flow patterns
  • Two separate groups from Bhimkanali and Bhuli areas affected by tragedy
2 min read

Six youths drown in Damodar River in Dhanbad; bodies of four recovered, search on for two

Four bodies recovered after six youths drowned in Damodar River during Kartik Purnima holy dip near Telmocho Bridge. Search continues for two missing victims.

"The search for the remaining two is still on. The NDRF team has not yet reached the spot. The operation will be intensified once the team arrives - Girjanand Kisku, Baghmara BDO"

Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Nov 6

Four of the six youths who drowned while bathing in the Damodar river near the Telmocho Bridge on the Dhanbad-Bokaro highway on Wednesday have been found dead, while a search operation is underway for the remaining two, officials said on Thursday.

One of the deceased has been identified as Vijay Yadav, a resident of Bhuli A-Block in Dhanbad. Local divers, with the help of villagers, are continuing the search for the two missing youths.

The youths had visited the river on the occasion of Kartik Purnima to take a holy dip. Two separate groups of 10 youths had arrived at Telmocho for the ritual.

The first group, from Bhimkanali under Baghmara police station limits, entered the river around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Five of them were swept away by a strong current. Villagers managed to rescue three, but two -- Sumit Rai (17) and Sunny Chauhan (21) -- went missing.

The second group belonged to Bhuli A-Block. Five of them -- Vijay Yadav, Rohit alias Chhotu, Rohan alias Golu, Priyanshu, and Anish -- went to bathe at the riverbank.

Priyanshu stayed back on the bank while the remaining four entered the river. When they did not return, Priyanshu searched for them and later informed their families.

Tension prevailed in the area after the bodies could not be traced till Thursday morning. Agitated locals and family members blocked the Dhanbad-Bokaro main road, demanding action and a more robust rescue effort.

Police and civil administration officials reached the spot and persuaded them to lift the blockade.

Locals alleged that illegal sand mining in the Damodar River has altered its depth and flow, increasing the risk of drowning incidents. They demanded that the administration take strict action to prevent further tragedies.

Baghmara Block Development Officer Girjanand Kisku confirmed that six youths from Bhimkanali and Bhuli drowned in the river's swift current, and four bodies have been recovered so far.

"The search for the remaining two is still on. The NDRF team has not yet reached the spot. The operation will be intensified once the team arrives," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Why are the NDRF teams taking so long to reach? Every minute counts in such situations. The local divers and villagers are doing their best, but professional help is needed urgently. This delay is unacceptable.
P
Priya S
As someone from Jharkhand, I know how dangerous Damodar river can be, especially after monsoon. Parents and schools need to educate children about water safety. These incidents keep happening every year during religious festivals. So tragic 😢
M
Michael C
While I understand the families' pain, blocking roads during rescue operations only hampers the efforts. The administration should set up proper warning signs and designated bathing areas during religious occasions to prevent such tragedies.
A
Arjun K
The illegal sand mining mafia is destroying our rivers and putting lives at risk. Where are the authorities? They only wake up after such tragedies occur. Strong action needed against these criminals who are literally killing our youth.
N
Nisha Z
My heart goes out to the families. Can't imagine their pain. The government should provide immediate compensation and support to these families. Also, need permanent lifeguards at popular bathing spots during festivals.

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