Assam: Search resumes for 5 missing in Brahmaputra tragedy
Rescue teams resumed operations on Thursday to locate five men swept away by strong currents of the Brahmaputra near Kharghuli; no bodies or survivors found yet.
GUWAHATI- Intensive rescue operations resumed on Thursday morning to trace the five individuals swept away by the Brahmaputra River near Kharghuli in Guwahati. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) expanded their search using additional boats, divers and sonar systems, but no breakthrough has been reported yet.
The search area now stretches from Kharghuli downstream to the vicinity of Umananda Temple and further, as teams navigate strong undercurrents, shifting sandbars and low visibility—conditions known to complicate rescue efforts in the Brahmaputra.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday, December 10, when a group of nine people—mostly aged between 40 and 45—visited the Bhakti Kutir Krishna Temple near the riverbank. The group reportedly consisted of residents from Assam, one man from Delhi, and one American national.
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After prayers, several members entered the river for a dip, unaware of the deceptively forceful undercurrents. Five were pulled away almost instantly. Four others survived—three swam back to shore while one was rescued by NDRF personnel stationed nearby.
The missing persons have been identified as, Upesh Kumar, Pratap, Abhijit, Sagar Gautam (Delhi resident) and Raunak Sadak (Bongaigaon).
Personal belongings—including bags, clothing and ID cards—were recovered along the riverbank, helping authorities confirm identities.
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Officials reiterated that the Brahmaputra’s calm appearance can be dangerously misleading, particularly during the post-monsoon period when underground currents are strong and unpredictable. The public has been urged to avoid bathing or entering the river, especially near deep or unmonitored stretches like Kharghuli.
The rescue operation is being coordinated under the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), with multiple agencies maintaining round-the-clock vigilance along the riverbanks.
Search and recovery efforts are expected to continue across Thursday and into Friday, depending on river conditions. Authorities will release further updates as the operation progresses.
