A tragic incident unfolded in East Delhi on Saturday evening when a young man was swept away by the strong currents of the Yamuna River during an idol immersion ceremony. The victim, identified as 20-year-old Vikas, a resident of Harola in Noida, is now feared to have drowned, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Unfortunate Event
According to police reports, Vikas was among a group of 10-12 people gathered at the riverbank in the Mayur Vihar area for the religious ceremony. The group had come to immerse idols, a common practice during certain festivals. However, what began as a solemn ritual quickly turned into a nightmare.
"Four people entered the canal, but only three came out. Vikas got swept by the flow of the canal after losing his balance," a police officer stated, describing the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The sudden loss of balance in the powerful current proved catastrophic for the young man.
Massive Rescue Operation Launched
Immediately after the incident was reported, emergency services sprang into action. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), multiple ambulances, and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot to initiate search and rescue operations.
The rescue efforts began around 8:30 PM on Saturday and continued until 12:30 AM. However, poor visibility forced authorities to temporarily suspend operations during the night. The search resumed at 6:20 AM on Sunday morning with renewed determination.
Challenges Hampering Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams are facing significant obstacles in their mission to locate Vikas. An officer involved in the operation explained, "Four boats and multiple divers are assisting with the operations. The strong flow of the Kondli canal into the river is also hampering operations."
The confluence of the Kondli canal with the Yamuna River has created particularly treacherous conditions, with strong undercurrents making the search extremely difficult for even experienced divers and rescue personnel.
Community in Mourning
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the neighborhood, with residents expressing concern about safety measures during such religious ceremonies. While idol immersion is an important cultural and religious practice for many communities, this tragedy highlights the potential dangers when conducted in natural water bodies with strong currents.
Authorities continue to search for Vikas as his family and friends await news with bated breath. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety precautions during religious ceremonies conducted near water bodies, especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
