A tragic incident occurred in Rishikesh on Sunday when a 17-year-old boy was swept away by the powerful current of the Ganga while attempting to retrieve his sunglasses from the water. The victim, identified as Ayush Thapa, a resident of Chakrata Road in Dehradun, had visited Rishikesh with three friends.
According to officials, Ayush ventured into deep water to recover his sunglasses but lost his balance due to the strong current. His friends tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police immediately launched a search operation; however, the teenager could not be traced until the time of filing this report.
Kavindra Sajwan, SDRF local in-charge, stated, "Ayush Thapa entered deep water while trying to retrieve his sunglasses and lost balance due to the strong current. His friends attempted to save him but were unsuccessful. Search operations are underway. Tourists are advised not to venture into deep waters as the river flow is currently very high."
In separate incidents on the same day, SDRF personnel rescued three pilgrims who were swept away by the Ganga's current in Haridwar. Additionally, divers recovered the body of a man from the Lakshman Jhula area. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Kaif, a resident of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh. He had drowned while bathing in the river with a friend two days prior.
Authorities urge tourists and pilgrims to exercise extreme caution near the river, especially during the monsoon season when water levels and currents are unpredictable and dangerous.
