In a daring night-long rescue mission, Doda Police, assisted by SDRF and Army, saved eight men who were trapped in the middle of river Chenab at Karmail area of Assar after their makeshift raft got stuck amidst floating timber.
Spokesperson in a statement, Doda Police saved lives of eight men trapped in mighty Chenab river tonight. According to Police sources, A distress call was received at Police Station Assar around midnight regarding eight persons trapped in the middle of river Chenab at Karmail area of Assar Doda.The individuals were using makeshift wooden raft but got trapped amidst the floating timber.
On receipt of the information, District Police Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) along with SDRF were immediately mobilized to the spot with all necessary rescue equipment, it reads.
Statement reads, The situation was aggravated due to dense fog over Chenab, which reduced visibility. However, with the help of high-powered torches and coordinated guidance, the stranded persons were made to navigate towards the woods and eventually reach the riverbank safely.
The rescue operation, which lasted about three hours, was carried out under the immediate supervision of DySP DAR/SDRF Sh. Adil Rishu, assisted by SHO PS Assar Insp. Rakesh Bandral, under the direct control and command of SSP Doda Sh. Sandeep Mehta, JKPS. The 48 RR Army unit also extended vital assistance, while a team from PS Batote led by SHO Insp. Vijay Kotwal was also present on the spot, it reads.
Due to the prompt and coordinated efforts of Police, SDRF, Army, and local support, all eight individuals were rescued safely without any casualty, it reads.
Enquiry in this regard is underway to ascertain the circumstances under which the persons got trapped in the Chenab river. At this stage, it is being verified whether they had entered the river for the purpose of illegally collecting timber in violation of the prohibitory order of the District Magistrate or otherwise, statement reads.
If during the course of enquiry any deliberate act is established, such as attempt to commit theft of timber or disobedience of lawful order thereby endangering human life, appropriate legal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 shall be initiated against the involved persons, it reads.
Police has appealed to the general public not to indulge in such risky acts, as venturing into Chenab using unsafe rafts or makeshift means can prove fatal and life-threatening. Anyone found indulging in such unlawful and dangerous activities shall also face strict legal action, reads the statement. (KNC)
