3 dead and 2 missing in separate drowning incidents during Chhath Puja in Rohtas

A series of drowning incidents during the Chhath Puja celebrations in Rohtas district, Bihar, has led to the deaths of three people, while two others remain missing. The tragedies occurred in separate locations, with authorities conducting ongoing search operations. The first incident took place on Thursday in the Bhans police station area, where two young men from Pipra village drowned in the Chausa Canal.

The victims, identified as Ayush Kumar (18), the son of Ramji Singh from Pipra, and Abhishek Kumar (22), the only son of the late Rakesh Singh from Turki village, had been cleaning the Chhath Ghat before entering the canal to bathe. According to police reports, the two young men and another individual ventured into the canal for a ritual bath when they unknowingly drifted into deep water. Villagers immediately rushed to their aid, rescuing one individual who was later admitted to the hospital in critical condition. Despite rescue efforts, Ayush and Abhishek drowned. The body of Abhishek was recovered later, and efforts were made to locate Ayush, but he was confirmed dead.

Later in the day, another drowning incident occurred at the Chhath Ghat on the Sone River in the Tilothu police station area. Four children, all from the same village of Pathra, were swept away by the current while bathing. Among them, three children were from the same family. One child was rescued by local villagers and sent to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The body of another child was recovered from the river shortly after the incident. The search for the remaining two children, who are feared to have drowned, continued throughout the night with the assistance of local fishermen and villagers. As of the latest reports, the two missing children have not been located.

Local police and administrative officials have arrived at the incident sites to oversee search and recovery operations. Emergency teams, including divers, have been deployed to assist in the search for the missing children. Investigations into the safety measures at the ghats and whether there were any lapses during the Chhath Puja activities are underway. Authorities are urging caution at public bathing spots, particularly during festivals when large crowds gather. The district police have issued guidelines for better safety, including restricting entry to deeper areas of the river and canal.

Families of the victims have been informed, and local authorities are providing support to the grieving relatives. The incidents have disrupted the festive atmosphere, with many locals in shock over the unexpected loss. Further details are awaited as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the drownings.