A tragic incident occurred in Agra's Dungarwala village on Thursday during Durga idol immersions, resulting in three fatalities and five individuals missing. The victims were swept away by strong currents in the Utangan river.
The incident took place at an undesignated spot on the riverbank. According to reports, a group of nine men entered the river to immerse two idols. As they ventured into deeper water, the strong currents overwhelmed them, pulling them under. Relatives who were waiting on the bank quickly raised the alarm.
Local police, led by Madan Singh, the in-charge of Kheragarh police station, responded swiftly to the scene. Singh and his team immediately jumped into the river to aid in the rescue efforts. They successfully rescued one man and recovered the bodies of three victims. The deceased have been identified as Gagan Singh, 28, and Ompal Chand, 32; the third victim is yet to be identified. As of Thursday, the search operation is still underway for the five missing individuals, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams deployed to assist.
Agra District Magistrate Aravind Mallapa Bangari stated that the group had initially gone to a designated immersion site but were not allowed to enter the river there. They then chose an undesignated location where the tragedy occurred. Bangari added that while immersing the second idol, the men moved into deeper waters and were swept away by the current.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm, creating a scene of chaos and panic among locals and family members present. Senior officials, including DCP West Atul Sharma, District Magistrate Arvind Mallappa Bangari, and local chairman Sudhir Garg, arrived at the site to supervise the rescue operations. Divers and a 14-member rescue team are involved in the search.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the strong currents in the river were a significant factor in the tragedy. Villagers alleged a delayed response by authorities, leading to protests and road blockages. Officials are working to pacify the crowd and ensure the smooth continuation of rescue efforts.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is a specialized unit trained and equipped for disaster response, including flood rescue operations. The SDRF works closely with local authorities and other agencies to provide assistance during natural calamities and other emergencies.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of adhering to designated immersion sites and taking necessary precautions during such activities. Authorities had designated specific locations for idol immersion. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of strong river currents and the need for caution when entering bodies of water, especially during periods of increased flow.
