THIRD YOUTH STILL MISSING

THIRD YOUTH STILL MISSING

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RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Chaos ensued near Rudranagar village on the Shahpur-Banahi road (under the Shahpur police station area) when three youths on a motorcycle were swept away by the strong current while crossing a diversion over the Cher River. Eyewitnesses reported that floodwaters were surging rapidly over the diversion; the current was so powerful that the youths lost control of their motorcycle in an instant. Following the incident, nearby villagers and passersby rushed to the scene to attempt a rescue. Thanks to the prompt action of locals, one youth was pulled out of the water, though his condition is reported to be critical; he was immediately taken to Shahpur Referral Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, one youth drowned, and the third remains missing, with the search operation still ongoing.

Police from the Shahpur station arrived at the scene immediately after receiving news of the incident, and a large crowd of villagers gathered at the site. A crowd remained near the river diversion, with everyone visibly shocked by the tragedy. The police assessed the situation and initiated a search operation with the help of local divers. Relief and rescue efforts faced challenges due to the river's strong current, yet villagers and divers persisted in their efforts.

According to reports, the deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Sachin Kumar Ram, son of Jitendra Ram, a resident of Shobhi Tola (Ward No. 1) in Shahpur town. Sachin reportedly worked outside the village for employment and had returned home just five days prior. Little did his family know that this homecoming would soon turn into the greatest tragedy of their lives. Meanwhile, the missing youth has been identified as 21-year-old Sandeep Ravani, a resident of Shobhi Tola, Ward No. 1, Shahpur Nagar, within the same police station area. The identity of the third youth—who was rescued—remained unclear at the time of writing, though his condition remains critical.

Recounting the incident, the deceased's uncle, Pappu Kumar, stated that on Tuesday afternoon, Sachin Kumar Ram had gone to Rudranagar village on a motorcycle with his friend Sandeep Ravani and another companion. Recent reports of rising water levels and overflowing rivers and streams had become a topic of discussion in the area, prompting many people to visit the Cher River to observe the situation. However, the group failed to gauge the strength of the water flow over the diversion, and a momentary lapse turned into a major tragedy.

It is reported that when the three youths reached the diversion, water was flowing over the road surface. Some locals reportedly tried to stop them, but they proceeded anyway. Moments later, the motorcycle lost its balance, and all three youths slipped and were swept away by the strong current. An alarm was raised immediately, and locals rushed to help. After considerable effort, one youth was rescued and sent to Shahpur Referral Hospital in serious condition. Hospital sources indicate that he likely ingested water and sustained injuries; his condition remains critical, and he is undergoing treatment under medical supervision.

Meanwhile, Sachin Kumar Ram was swept a considerable distance away by the swift current. A few hours after the incident, his body was recovered with the help of local divers. Following the recovery, the police completed the necessary legal formalities and sent the body for a post-mortem examination. The body was subsequently handed over to the family. The search for Sandeep Ravani continued until late evening. While searches are being conducted along the riverbanks and other likely locations, rainfall, strong currents, and high water levels have hampered the operation. Villagers say that an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty will persist in the village and the surrounding area until Sandeep is found.

According to his family, Sachin Kumar Ram was the eldest among four sisters and one brother. He was considered the "sole hope" of his parents, and the family’s aspirations rested largely on him. His family includes his mother, Sita Devi, and sisters Khushbu Kumari, Anjali Kumari, Simran Kumari, and Radha Kumari. Family members describe Sachin as hardworking; he used to work away from home to support the family. As soon as the news of his sudden passing reached the village, the entire neighborhood was plunged into grief. Neighbors arrived to offer their condolences, but the household was overwhelmed by mourning.

Pandemonium broke out at Sachin's home upon learning of the incident. His mother, Sita Devi, is inconsolable. Family members kept repeating that no one had ever imagined that their son—who had visited home just a few days ago—would now be carried away on a funeral bier. His sisters and other relatives are also in deep shock. Villagers are expressing both sorrow and anger over the tragedy, pointing out the lack of warning systems or safety measures at a critical spot like the diversion, especially during periods of strong currents. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate the missing youth, Sandeep Ravani. This tragic incident has shaken the entire region.