Back from Haridwar, 3 youths drown in Yamuna river at Paonta Sahib

Three youths, including two brothers, were swept away in the Yamuna at Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district on Tuesday. Despite intensive search operations carried out till the sunset, there was no trace of the missing youths, prompting the administration to call in the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for further rescue efforts.

According to information, the youths were returning from Haridwar after performing rituals and taking a holy dip in the Ganga with their Kuldevta’s palanquin. On their way back to their native village in the Shillai constituency, the group halted at the Yamuna ghat in Paonta Sahib, where tragedy struck. One of the youths entered the river for a bath, but as he began to drown, two others jumped in to save him. Within moments, all three were caught in the powerful current and disappeared from sight.

The missing youths have been identified as Amit (23), son of Jogi Ram, and brothers Kamlesh (22) and Rajnish (20), sons of Prem Singh, all belonging to Gwali village in the Shillai Assembly constituency.

As soon as the incident was reported, police and administration rushed to the spot. Rescue operations were launched immediately with the help of local divers, and teams worked tirelessly along the river till sunset. However, despite hours of effort, no clue of the missing youths could be found. Officials later stated that an SDRF team has now been requisitioned to intensify the search. The specialised team is expected to begin rescue and search operations from Wednesday.

Paonta Sahib SDM Gunjeet Singh Cheema and SDPO Manvendra Thakur remained at the site throughout the day, monitoring the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, several disturbing videos of the incident have surfaced on social media, purportedly showing the three youths struggling against the furious current of the Yamuna before being swept away.

The incident has left the Shillai region in deep shock, as villagers await with heavy hearts for some word on the fate of the missing youths.