Delhi Teen Missing After Being Swept Into Overflowing Drain During Rain
An 18-year-old man was swept away in an overflowing drain in the Sarita Vihar area of South East Delhi on Friday evening, as heavy rain lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region. The youth, identified as Ankit, remained untraced for more than 12 hours, with rescue teams continuing their search on Saturday.
The incident took place around 8 pm in the Priyanka Camp area under the Sarita Vihar police station limits. Ankit, a resident of the camp, was returning home from his job as a pantry worker at A1 Silverstein Service Measurement in Sector 62, Noida. He had finished his day's work and was on his way back when he reached an open drain near a bridge in Sarita Vihar.
Local residents said the drain normally has a low water level, but torrential rains had caused it to swell dangerously. Witnesses stated that several people at the spot tried to stop Ankit from crossing near the bridge. However, in a hurry to reach home, he attempted to jump across from the side of the structure to save time. He lost his footing and fell into the fast-moving water.
Bhagwan Jha, the Up-Pradhan of the Priyanka Camp colony, was present at the time. He told reporters that the current was so strong that Ankit was swept away within moments. "I was holding his bag and phone. He was attempting to cross the bridge. Nobody could have done anything at that time," Jha said.
Ankit's father, Sunil, said he received information about the accident from locals and immediately dialled the police control room number 100. Police personnel and divers reached the spot on Friday night, but the search had to be called off due to darkness. Officials told the family that operations would resume the next morning.
On Saturday, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police, along with divers, continued to search the drain and adjoining areas for the missing youth. No trace of Ankit had been found till the time of filing this report. Sunil appealed to the administration to intensify efforts and deploy all available resources to locate his son.
The incident has once again raised questions about the safety measures around open drains in the area. Jha said that residents had repeatedly complained to the authorities about the open drain near the bridge, but no action was taken. He stressed that the drain was a known hazard, especially during the monsoon.
The heavy rain on Friday caused severe waterlogging in several parts of Delhi-NCR. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted moderate to heavy rainfall, and its forecast held true. On South Delhi's MB Road near the Air Force Station, water levels reportedly rose to nearly four feet, leading to traffic snarls and stranded vehicles. Areas including Okhla Mor, Khanpur, Deoli, Ambedkar Nagar and Sangam Vihar also witnessed waterlogging.
In some flooded stretches, motorcycles and autorickshaws broke down while attempting to pass through. Air Force trucks were seen helping commuters in the inundated areas. The IMD said the rain was expected to ease from Saturday, with only light showers likely over the next two days.
The police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances of the incident. The search operation is ongoing, and officials have assured the family that all possible efforts are being made to trace Ankit.
