Trainee Constables Drown in Sharda Canal, One Missing in Hardoi District
A tragic incident unfolded in Hardoi district on Sunday when three trainee constables were feared drowned while bathing in the Sharda Canal near Rasulpur under the Tadiyawan police station limits. While two of the constables were rescued with the help of local villagers, the third was swept away by the strong current and remains missing, sparking a large-scale rescue operation.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the incident occurred when the three trainees—identified as Gaurav Srivastava, Rajendra Kumar, and Surjit Sharma—were returning from a nearby market. They stopped near the Paretha bridge and entered the canal to bathe, unaware of the depth and the intensity of the current. Suddenly, all three began to drown, leading to cries for help that alerted nearby villagers.
Villagers rushed to the spot and managed to rescue two of the constables, Rajendra Kumar and Surjit Sharma. However, Gaurav Srivastava was carried away by the strong current and could not be located despite immediate efforts. Additional Superintendent of Police (West), Martand Prakash Singh, confirmed the incident, stating that rescue operations were launched promptly. “Two constables have been rescued safely, while search efforts are underway to locate the missing constable,” he said.
Rescue Operations Underway
A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed to trace the missing trainee constable, with local divers also assisting in the search operation. Officials noted that the strong flow of water in the canal is posing a major challenge to rescue efforts, complicating the search for Gaurav Srivastava.
Senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police, Hardoi, Ashok Kumar Meena, reached the spot soon after receiving information to oversee the operations. The incident has highlighted the dangers of bathing in canals with unpredictable currents, especially during periods of high water flow.
Community and Official Response
The quick response from local villagers played a crucial role in rescuing two of the constables, demonstrating community solidarity in times of crisis. However, the ongoing search for the missing trainee underscores the need for heightened safety measures around water bodies. Authorities are urging the public to avoid bathing in canals and rivers without proper knowledge of conditions, particularly in areas with strong currents.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with water activities in natural settings. Updates on the search operation are being closely monitored, with hopes pinned on locating the missing constable safely.
