PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
A youth was reported missing after being swept away in the Ganga river in Rishikesh while bathing in a proscribed area on Saturday evening. The incident took place near Hilton Rapid under the Lakshmanjhula police station area at about 4 PM. After receiving the information, the State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) team reached the spot and started a search operation.
The missing youth has been identified as Harshit Upadhyay (20), a resident of Seema Ristna village in Bhikiyasain area of Almora district. Officials said he is also a student of a Sanskrit college at Vrindavan in Mathura.
Officials said that deep divers were sent into the river and search work was being carried out at all possible locations. Local police and water police were also helping in the search and rescue operation. The search for the missing youth was continuing till the time of this news report being filed.
According to preliminary information, the youth had come to Sitaram Ashram with a friend to attend a religious programme. Later, both youths reportedly went towards the river for bathing in a restricted ghat area. During this time, one of them was caught in the strong current and swept away.
The SDRF and police have appealed to people to stay alert near the river, rapids and restricted zones. They asked visitors to follow safety rules and avoid entering fast flowing water areas, as it can be dangerous and life threatening.
