Tragic Drowning at Damodar River: 4 Bodies Recovered, 2 Still Missing After Kartik Purnima Ritual in Dhanbad

One of the victims has been identified as Vijay Yadav, a resident of Bhuli A-Block in Dhanbad.

Dhanbad:

Four of the six youths who drowned while bathing in the Damodar river near the Telmocho Bridge on the Dhanbad-Bokaro highway on Wednesday have been found dead, with search operations continuing for the remaining two, officials confirmed on Thursday.

Vijay Yadav, a resident of Bhuli A-Block in Dhanbad, has been identified among the deceased. Local divers, assisted by villagers, are persisting in their efforts to locate the two missing individuals.

The incident occurred when the youths visited the river to take a holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. Two separate groups, totaling 10 youths, had arrived at Telmocho for the ritual.

The first group from Bhimkanali, under Baghmara police station jurisdiction, entered the river around 11 am on Wednesday. A strong current swept away five of them. While villagers managed to rescue three, two individuals—17-year-old Sumit Rai and 21-year-old Sunny Chauhan—went missing.

The second group was from Bhuli A-Block. Five members of this group—Vijay Yadav, Rohit (alias Chhotu), Rohan (alias Golu), Priyanshu, and Anish—went to the riverbank. While Priyanshu remained on shore, the other four entered the water. When they failed to return, Priyanshu searched for them before alerting their families.

Tension escalated in the area when the bodies remained untraced until Thursday morning. Distressed locals and family members blocked the Dhanbad-Bokaro main road, demanding enhanced rescue efforts and immediate action from authorities.

Officials from police and civil administration arrived at the scene and successfully persuaded the protesters to remove the blockade.

Local residents alleged that illegal sand mining activities in the Damodar River have altered its depth and flow patterns, increasing drowning risks. They urged the administration to implement strict measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Baghmara Block Development Officer Girjanand Kisku confirmed that six youths from Bhimkanali and Bhuli had drowned in the river's swift current, with four bodies recovered so far.

"The search for the remaining two individuals continues. The NDRF team has not yet reached the location. The operation will be intensified once they arrive," he stated.