In a devastating turn of events, a group of 19 individuals hailing from Belgachia, Shibpur, and Bagnan in Howrah district embarked on a picnic to Tribeni Park in Daspur, West Medinipur district. However, tragedy struck as their return journey took a dangerous turn on Thursday night when their boat capsized in the middle of the Roopnarayan river. Prompt responses from nearby boats managed to rescue many from the accident site upon hearing their distress cries, but five individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting a search operation.
Howrah District Magistrate Deepapriya P confirmed the deployment of two disaster management teams and civil defense personnel to facilitate rescue operations immediately after learning of the accident. Superintendent of Police Swati Bhangalia reassured ongoing efforts for rescue, while officials confirmed the transfer of some rescued individuals to nearby health centers for medical attention.