TWO CHILDREN MET THEIR WATERY GRAVE

2-JUNE-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-----------------------------A tragic accident occurred near the Chhotki Sarimpur Puliya Ghat within the jurisdiction of the Nagar Police Station, resulting in the drowning deaths of two children while they were bathing in the Ganges. However, a third child was safely rescued thanks to the prompt intervention of local residents. Following the incident, the ghat was thrown into chaos, and the air was filled with the screams and cries of the grieving family members.

According to reports, the incident took place while religious rituals—specifically the "Dashwan Karma" (10th-day rites) following the passing of his father—were being performed at the Ganges ghat by Manoj Kumar Singh, a resident of Ahirauli. Following a *Mundan* (head-shaving) ceremony, family members were taking a ritual bath in the Ganges. During this time, several children also entered the river to swim. It is reported that while bathing, three of the children suddenly drifted into deeper waters and began to drown.

The sight of the children drowning caused panic and chaos among the bystanders and family members present at the ghat. Local residents immediately jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue the children. After a strenuous effort, Ratan Singh—the 12-year-old son of Anil Singh, a resident of Bhadar—was safely pulled out of the water. However, Manoj Singh's 7-year-old son, Rudra Kumar, and 12-year-old Chhotu Kumar, a resident of Maniyar, could not be saved.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the City Police arrived at the scene and, with the assistance of local divers, launched a search and rescue operation. After extensive efforts, the divers recovered Rudra Kumar's body from the river. Meanwhile, the search for the second child, Chhotu Kumar, continued until late in the evening.

In the wake of this heart-wrenching tragedy, the families of the deceased children are inconsolable with grief. The eyes of those present at the ghat were also welled up with tears. An atmosphere of mourning and sorrow now pervades the entire locality.

Local residents have urged the administration to strengthen security measures at the Ganges ghats, install warning signs at hazardous spots, and ensure adequate safety arrangements at designated bathing areas.