Delhi: Youth swept away in flooded Sarita Vihar drain while returning home; search ops on

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) An 18-year-old youth went missing after being swept away by a strong current in a flooded drain near Priyanka Camp in Aali Village, under the jurisdiction of Delhi’s Sarita Vihar police station.

The incident occurred on Friday night while he was returning home from Noida amid heavy rainfall in the Delhi-NCR region and he slipped.

According to Delhi Police, a PCR call was received at Sarita Vihar police station on August 7 regarding a boy being swept away in a drain. The call was assigned to SI Roshan Lal for necessary action. Acting promptly, SI Roshan Lal, along with beat staff, reached the spot at Priyanka Camp Nala in Madanpur Khadar, where the complainant, Manish, son of Raj Kishor and a resident of Bhim Colony, Ali Vihar, Delhi, was present.

During enquiry, Manish informed the police that his friend, Ankit, son of Sunil and a resident of E-13, Bhim Colony, Ali Vihar, Delhi, aged about 18 years, was returning from Noida when the incident occurred.

Police said that when Ankit reached near the Priyanka Camp drain, he accidentally slipped on the road due to waterlogging, lost his balance, and was swept away by the strong flow of water that had accumulated. The area had been experiencing heavy rainfall, resulting in a rapid rise in water levels and a strong current in the drain.

Locals present at the spot immediately attempted to rescue the youth and raised an alarm to seek help from nearby residents. However, the force of the water was too strong, and rescue attempts proved unsuccessful.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Sarita Vihar police rushed to the spot and launched a search operation. Extensive efforts were undertaken with the assistance of the DDMA East Rescue Team and the Delhi Fire Service, including Fire Tender WT-74.

Despite sustained search operations throughout the night and into the following day, the missing youth could not be traced. Officials said rescue teams continue to search the drain and adjoining areas.

The operation has been hampered by persistent rainfall, strong water currents, darkness, and debris accumulated inside the drain. Local residents and volunteers have also joined the search efforts.

The incident comes at a time when Delhi-NCR is reeling under the impact of continuous rainfall. Several parts of Delhi, Noida, and Haryana have reported severe waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruption to daily life over the past two days. Authorities have been working to manage the situation as heavy rains continue to affect normal movement across the region.

–IANS

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