Devotee Swept Away During Mansa Devi Idol Immersion in Silchar; SDRF Initiates Search Operation

On the night of Wednesday, July 30, a religious celebration in Silchar turned into a tragedy when a man was swept away by the strong currents of the Barak River during the immersion of Goddess Mansa's idol at the Sadarghat immersion ghat. The unfortunate incident involved three members of a family—two brothers, Gaurang Ghosh and Krishna Ghosh, and their relative, Biplab Das. They were performing the concluding rituals of the Mansa Puja, which they had conducted at their home on Second Link Road.

According to eyewitnesses and family members present at the site, Krishna Ghosh and Biplab Das accidentally slipped and fell into the river while performing the immersion rituals. Reacting instinctively and out of desperation to save his younger brother, Gaurang Ghosh, who reportedly did not know how to swim, jumped into the river. However, he was quickly overwhelmed by the river’s strong current and disappeared from sight.

The incident occurred near a patrolling point of the Sadar Police. The mounted patrol team stationed in the area responded promptly. Among the team, Constable Jamil Ahmed Mazumdar displayed remarkable courage, presence of mind, and resourcefulness. He used a piece of cloth as an improvised rope to pull both Krishna Ghosh and Biplab Das to safety, managing to save them from being swept away.

Despite the timely rescue of two individuals, Gaurang Ghosh remains missing. Local authorities fear he may have drowned, as there has been no sign of him since the incident. In response, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has launched a comprehensive and continuous rescue and recovery operation. Divers and rescue personnel have been deployed in and around the Sadarghat area to search for any trace of Gaurang.

To monitor and supervise the rescue operation personally, Cachar’s Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Numal Mahatta, visited the site. He reviewed the ongoing efforts and ensured that all available resources were being utilized to maximize the chances of locating the missing man. Police officials have also made public appeals urging local residents, fishermen, and boatmen to stay alert and report any possible sighting or information regarding the missing individual.

The incident has left the local community in shock, casting a pall of sorrow over what was supposed to be a joyous religious occasion. Family members of Gaurang Ghosh are devastated, clinging to hope amid the continued rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the bravery of Constable Mazumdar has been widely praised, with many lauding his heroic actions and quick thinking that saved two lives.

The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in water-based religious ceremonies, especially in areas with strong river currents. Authorities have urged future event organizers to take necessary precautions, such as employing safety personnel and flotation devices, to avoid such mishaps. The search for Gaurang Ghosh continues, with SDRF teams committed to locating him and bringing closure to the grieving family.