Patna Chhath Puja Accident: Teens Feared Drowned Amid Rescue Delay

A festive celebration turned into tragedy during the recent festival when four teenagers went missing at a patna chhath ghat located in Bihar. The incident took place at the Mirzapur Ghat along the Punpun River, a tributary of the Ganga, where the youths had reportedly been cleaning and decorating the area before venturing into the water. According to some local accounts, the boys may have entered the river to bathe and offer prayers. Local divers managed to rescue one of the boys, but three others—identified as Asu, Suraj, and Aditya—remained unaccounted for and are feared drowned.

The situation quickly escalated into public anger following a reported five-hour delay by the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force in reaching the site. Villagers expressed deep frustration, stating that emergency helpline numbers listed online were inaccurate and failed to connect. Repeated calls placed to administrative officials and local representatives also brought no immediate assistance, leaving police officers waiting on the scene for an extended period without specialized support.

Local residents protested a five-hour emergency response delay after three teenagers went missing in the river.

An angry resident spoke to media outlets about the extended wait for professional help, questioning how a child could be rescued if response teams arrive hours after an emergency call. In response to the crisis, an SDRF team eventually commenced search operations utilizing local divers to scour the river for the missing youths. Meanwhile, administrative authorities reiterated appeals for public adherence to safety regulations while bathing during festive rituals, urging extra caution at crowded riverbanks following prior drowning tragedies.

Why it matters

The incident highlights critical gaps in emergency response times and the reliability of disaster helpline numbers during major public gatherings in India. It underscores the urgent need for accessible administrative support and immediate availability of rescue personnel at busy riverbanks during religious festivals to protect participants and prevent further tragedies.