A somber search operation is underway in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, after a 16-year-old girl allegedly jumped into the Sharda river's feeder canal on Sunday morning. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, reportedly followed a domestic argument over household chores.
Details of the Distressing Incident
According to police officials, the tragic event unfolded in Kalinagar town. The teenager, who was the youngest of four siblings, left her home in the morning. She walked approximately one kilometer to a bridge over the canal. When she failed to return home after a considerable time, her family grew concerned and initiated a search. The police were subsequently informed about her disappearance.
Investigations revealed that the girl's father works in Haryana, while her mother resides in the village with their four children – three daughters and a son. The preliminary information suggests an argument with her mother concerning household duties may have precipitated the extreme step.
Challenging Search and Rescue Efforts
Upon being alerted, local police, led by Station House Officer Ashok Pal, swiftly responded. Initial attempts to locate the girl involved local divers. However, the divers refused to enter the water due to the intense cold, significantly hampering early rescue efforts.
Evidence recovered from the bridge painted a grim picture. Police found the girl's shawl and her slippers at the spot, confirming her presence there. With the local divers unable to help, authorities called in a specialized rescue team from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The SSB team arrived equipped with a boat to conduct a thorough search of the canal.
Operation Continues into Second Day
Despite persistent efforts throughout Sunday, the search team could not trace the girl by dusk. SHO Ashok Pal confirmed that the operation was suspended as daylight faded and announced that the search would resume on Monday. The community and authorities hold onto hope as the operation continues.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the immense pressures and fragile mental state that can affect young individuals, turning ordinary family disputes into unthinkable tragedies. It underscores the need for heightened awareness and support systems for adolescent mental health within families and communities.
