Tragic Drownings in Hooghly River After Holi Celebrations in Kolkata
In a devastating series of events following Holi celebrations, six individuals lost their lives to drowning in the Hooghly River at two separate locations in Kolkata on Tuesday. The incidents occurred at Balaram Sarkar Hooghly River Ghat in Bhatpara and Shovabazar Ghat, casting a shadow over the festive period.
Heroic Rescue Attempt Ends in Tragedy at Bhatpara Ghat
At the Balaram Sarkar Hooghly River Ghat in Bhatpara, four persons drowned while bathing in the river. The victims have been identified as two brothers, Saikat Nandi (32) and Sourav Nandi (27), from Bhatpara, along with one of their friends from Bagbazar and 19-year-old Dipshikha Das Rajak, also from Bagbazar.
A class-11 student, Sourav Sarkar, witnessed the group struggling in the water and immediately jumped in to attempt a rescue. Tragically, he too was swept away by the strong current, adding to the death toll. Search operations were conducted on both Tuesday and Wednesday by three Disaster Management Group (DMG) teams, but as of Wednesday, no bodies had been recovered.
DCP North, Barrackpore, Asim Khan confirmed the ongoing efforts, stating, "Three DMG teams are conducting search operations but no body has been traced yet." Sourav Sarkar's mother expressed her grief, revealing, "My son often sits here in the afternoon. He saw them drowning and jumped in to save them."
Separate Incident at Shovabazar Ghat Claims Another Life
In a concurrent tragedy, a 52-year-old man from Madhyamgram drowned at Shovabazar Ghat. Samir Maity had visited the ghat to take a ritual dip. According to local witnesses, shortly after entering the water, he began to struggle and subsequently started drowning.
Bystanders quickly alerted the authorities, prompting the Kolkata Police's disaster management team to initiate a search operation. With assistance from local residents, they managed to retrieve an unconscious Maity from the river. He was immediately transported to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
The police have sent the body for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, as investigations into both incidents continue. These drownings highlight the perilous conditions of river bathing, especially after festive occasions when crowds gather near water bodies.
Community and Authorities Respond to the Crises
The dual incidents have sparked concerns about safety measures at river ghats in Kolkata. Local communities are mourning the losses, while authorities emphasize the dangers of swimming in unpredictable river currents. The Hooghly River, known for its strong undercurrents, poses significant risks, particularly during and after festive gatherings like Holi.
As search operations persist for the missing individuals in Bhatpara, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution near water bodies. The tragedies serve as a somber reminder of the importance of water safety protocols and the need for increased vigilance during public celebrations.
