Teenage Girl Drowns Near Dholai Immersion Ghat, SDRF Arrives Late, Darkness Halts Search Operation

In a tragic incident, a 13-year-old girl, Saptami Das, drowned near the Dholai immersion ghat around 3 PM today. The accident occurred just 30 meters from the Bisharjan Ghat as Saptami, a resident of Ward No. 16 in the Katakhal area of Dholai, was visiting her aunt’s house in Sadargram to celebrate Durga Puja.

Saptami had been staying with her aunt for a few days to witness the Puja festivities. Despite the conclusion of Bijaya Dashami, idol immersions were still ongoing at the ghat, which is situated about 50 meters from her aunt’s home.

According to reports, Saptami had gone to the Rukni River with her cousin to bathe when she suddenly drowned. Her cousin, witnessing the incident, raised the alarm, drawing the attention of nearby residents. Immediate attempts were made by her aunt and locals to locate her in the water, but despite their efforts, Saptami remained missing.

A local resident expressed frustration with the delay in rescue efforts, saying, “The girl went to bathe at the riverbank with her cousin but unfortunately drowned. We informed the police immediately, but it’s already evening, and the SDRF team has not reached yet.”

Upon learning of the incident, Dholai Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Manuj Barua, arrived at the scene with his team. The SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) was notified and reached the location around 6 PM, nearly three hours after the tragedy. However, with darkness setting in, the team decided to suspend the search for the day.

Officer-in-Charge Barua has confirmed that the search for Saptami will resume tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, the entire area remains gripped by grief as the community prays for the missing teenager.