Patna: Two men drowned in the Ganga at Digha Ghat in Patna on Sunday during Magh Purnima celebrations, prompting a large crowd to gather at the scene as emergency services launched a search operation. Despite the presence of onlookers, no civilians reportedly entered the river to attempt a rescue.
A woman traffic constable, identified as Tara Kumari, jumped into the river to search for the men shortly after the incident. Her actions, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed her entering the water in uniform as she searched the area where the men were last seen.
Police said the victims have been identified as Guard Babu, 50, and Dhananjay Kumar, 30, both residents of the Chakan police station area in Gaya district. They had travelled to Patna to take part in the ritual bathing and were believed to be unfamiliar with the depth and currents at the ghat.
According to officials, the men entered the river for a holy dip and were swept into deeper water. Witnesses raised an alarm, but no immediate civilian rescue attempt was made before authorities arrived.
Local police, divers and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continued search operations into the evening. Authorities have urged pilgrims and visitors to exercise caution while bathing in the river, warning of unpredictable currents and sudden drops in depth.
