In a devastating incident that has cast a shadow over upcoming Chhath Puja celebrations, two teenage boys lost their lives while cleaning a sacred ghat along the Ganges river in Sahibganj district.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday when the young victims, identified as 15-year-old Rohan Kumar and 16-year-old Sohan Kumar, were participating in voluntary cleaning activities at the Chhath ghat. According to local authorities, the teenagers were among several community members preparing the riverbank for the important festival when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
Local fishermen and police teams immediately launched rescue operations upon receiving information about the drowning. After extensive search efforts lasting several hours, the bodies of both teenagers were recovered from the river.
"The boys were cleaning the ghat area when they suddenly slipped into deep waters," explained a senior police official from Sahibganj. "Despite immediate efforts by bystanders, the strong current swept them away before rescue could reach them."
Community in Mourning
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing profound grief over the loss of young lives during what should have been a festive preparation period. Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, is one of the most significant festivals in Bihar and Jharkhand, involving elaborate rituals performed at riverbanks.
Local administration officials have visited the bereaved families and assured them of all necessary support. The district administration has also announced compensation for the families of the deceased teenagers.
Safety Concerns Raised
This tragic event has raised serious questions about safety measures during ghat cleaning activities, particularly when volunteers include young participants. Community leaders are now calling for better safety protocols and supervision during such preparatory work for religious events.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged communities to exercise extreme caution near riverbanks, especially during festival preparations when enthusiasm sometimes overrides safety considerations.
