A festive occasion turned into a nightmare for a family in Jharkhand's Garhwa district when their eight-year-old son drowned in the Koel River during Kartik Purnima celebrations on Monday.
The tragic incident occurred when the young boy, identified as Rohan Kumar, accompanied his family to the river for the traditional holy dip that marks the auspicious Kartik Purnima festival. What was supposed to be a spiritual cleansing ritual ended in unimaginable tragedy.
Festive Atmosphere Turns Tragic
According to local authorities, the incident took place near Nagar Untari area where the family had gathered with hundreds of other devotees for the religious ceremony. Witnesses reported that the boy suddenly slipped into deeper waters while bathing in the river.
"The family members immediately raised an alarm and local divers began search operations," said a police official from the area. "Despite frantic efforts, the boy could not be saved in time."
Immediate Response and Recovery
Local residents and police teams launched an extensive search operation following the incident. After nearly two hours of desperate efforts, the child's body was recovered from the river.
The family, originally from Bhandaria block, has been left devastated by the sudden loss. Police have sent the body for postmortem and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Safety Concerns During Religious Gatherings
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the safety concerns during mass religious gatherings near water bodies. Kartik Purnima, considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, typically sees thousands of devotees thronging to rivers and water bodies for holy dips.
Local authorities have emphasized the need for better safety measures, including:
- Increased presence of lifeguards at popular bathing spots
- Proper barricading and depth markers in river areas
- Public awareness campaigns about water safety
- Emergency response teams stationed during major festivals
The Garhwa district administration has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured necessary support during this difficult time.
