Search Continues for 12-Year-Old Boy Who Drowned in Gandak River, Family in Deep Distress

Muzaffarpur: The search operation for 12-year-old Kishu Kumar, who drowned in the Gandak River at Gorigama Dumri Diara in Muzaffarpur district, continued for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday while the boy was bathing in the river. With no trace of him even after three days, anxiety and grief have deepened among his family members. The entire village remains in mourning as residents gather along the riverbank, hoping for some positive news.

Following the incident, local authorities, professional divers, and personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been conducting an intensive search operation. However, the strong current and considerable depth of the river have made the rescue efforts extremely challenging.

Boy Went Missing While Bathing on Sunday

According to local sources, 12-year-old Kishu Kumar had gone to the Gandak River on Sunday with a group of friends to take a bath. As the children were swimming, Kishu reportedly ventured into deeper water and was swept away by the strong current.

His friends tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful. Within moments, he disappeared beneath the water. As soon as the incident became known, villagers rushed to the riverbank and began searching for the child before informing the authorities.

Administration Responded Immediately

After receiving information about the incident, officials from the local administration, police, and disaster management department reached the spot. Initially, local divers were deployed to search the river. Later, an SDRF team equipped with specialized rescue equipment joined the operation.

Search teams thoroughly scanned several sections of the river, but despite continuous efforts, they were unable to locate the missing boy by the third day.

Search Operation Continues on Third Day

The search resumed early Wednesday morning with SDRF personnel and trained divers once again entering the river. Rescue teams used boats and specialized equipment to search several kilometers of the river.

Officials focused on areas where the river's current could have carried the boy, but the operation remained unsuccessful. They stated that the strong water flow and the river's depth continue to pose significant challenges.

Family Left Devastated

Kishu Kumar's disappearance has left his family heartbroken. His parents and relatives have been in deep distress ever since the incident. Their home is filled with grief as they continue to wait anxiously for any information about the child.

His mother has been praying constantly for his safe return, while his father and other family members remain near the riverbank, closely following the search operation. The family's suffering has deeply moved the entire village.

Village Gripped by Sorrow

The tragic incident has cast a shadow of grief over Gorigama Dumri Diara village. Local residents have been assisting the rescue teams and remaining near the river throughout the search operation. Some villagers have even used their own boats to help search the river.

Residents said that similar incidents occur almost every year during periods of strong river currents, especially in the monsoon season. They have urged the administration to strengthen safety measures along the riverbanks.

SDRF Faces Difficult Conditions

Officials involved in the operation said the fast-moving current, deep water, and constantly changing river flow have made the search particularly difficult. Despite using modern rescue equipment and advanced search techniques, natural conditions continue to hamper the operation.

Authorities have assured the family that the search will continue until the boy is located.

Administration Appeals for Caution

The local administration has appealed to residents to avoid bathing or entering deep river waters, particularly during periods of strong currents and the rainy season. Parents have also been advised not to allow children to visit rivers unsupervised.

Officials emphasized that even a moment of carelessness can lead to fatal accidents. They also urged villagers to immediately inform the police or disaster management authorities in the event of any emergency.

Demand for Better River Safety Measures

Following the incident, local residents called for improved safety arrangements at vulnerable riverbanks, including warning signs, barricades, and the deployment of trained lifeguards.

Community leaders have also urged the administration to conduct awareness campaigns in schools and villages to educate children and parents about water safety and the risks associated with swimming in rivers.

Family Still Clings to Hope

Even after three days, Kishu Kumar's family and the villagers have not lost hope. They continue to look toward the SDRF and rescue teams, praying for a breakthrough in the search operation. With each passing hour, the family's anxiety continues to grow.

The heartbreaking incident once again highlights the importance of observing safety precautions while bathing in rivers. Authorities have assured that every possible effort will continue until the missing boy is found.