Patna, Aug 3: Two teenagers were feared drowned after being swept away by strong currents in the Bagmati River while taking a holy dip in Bihar’s East Champaran district on Monday, officials said.The incident occurred at Devapur Sangam Ghat, where a large number of devotees had gathered on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan to take a sacred bath and collect water for Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva.
According to local authorities, three teenagers entered the river and moved towards a deeper section. One of them managed to return safely, while the other two were swept away by the strong current and went missing.The missing teenagers were identified as Kamlesh Kumar (17) and Roshan Kumar (14), both residents of Lalbegia village under the Pachpakri police station area.
The incident caused panic among devotees and local residents. Villagers, boatmen and local divers immediately began searching for the two teenagers, but they could not be traced until late Monday evening.Following information about the incident, Circle Officer Ritesh Kumar Seth and Pachpakri Station House Officer Uttam Kumar reached the ghat with a police team and monitored the rescue operation.
Police said the district administration had informed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and sought assistance for a more extensive search operation.“The strong current and considerable depth of the river have made the search difficult.
Rescue efforts will resume on Tuesday and continue until the missing teenagers are traced,” a police official said.Authorities have urged devotees and visitors to remain cautious while entering rivers during religious gatherings, particularly in areas with deep water and strong currents.
