Jammu, Sep 6: Search operations have been intensified to trace a woman and a man feared drowned in the Chenab River in separate incidents in Doda and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.
The two incidents occurred days apart. A 21-year-old woman, identified as Payal Devi, reportedly jumped into the river from Shiva Dal Bridge near Prem Nagar in Doda on Saturday afternoon, while 20-year-old Ravi Kumar slipped into the fast-flowing Chenab at Maitra in Ramban on September 1.
In Doda, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and local volunteers have expanded the search along the riverbank and downstream stretches, but no breakthrough has been reported so far.
According to her family, Payal had been experiencing anxiety and depression. Her father, Krishan Lal, said she had gone to a local mela and later told him over the phone that she was feeling unwell and wanted to consult a doctor.
The circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear. A video purportedly showing the woman speaking to passersby before jumping into the river has also surfaced on social media.
Meanwhile, a multi-agency operation is underway in Ramban to trace Ravi Kumar, who reportedly slipped into the Chenab at Maitra on September 1.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and SSP Arun Gupta visited the site and reviewed the search operation and rescue strategy.
Officials said the strong current and hazardous conditions have made the use of boats risky. Specialised equipment and trained personnel are being deployed while adhering to safety protocols.
Following the Deputy Commissioner’s intervention, authorities of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project have restricted water flow in the river to facilitate the rescue operation.
