Four minors are feared drowned after they were swept away by the strong current of the Yamuna while bathing near Hiranki village in outer north Delhi’s Alipur area, officials said on Monday.
The incident took place on Sunday evening, and police received information about it around 7.30 pm. According to preliminary information, five minors had entered the river to bathe when the current suddenly intensified.
Police said one of the boys managed to come out of the water and raised an alarm after the other four were carried away by the current and disappeared from sight.
Following the alert, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Fire Services and local police rushed to the spot and launched a search and rescue operation.
The operation continued through the night and resumed on Monday morning. Rescue personnel were using boats and other equipment to search the river stretch near Hiranki village and adjoining areas, officials said.
A senior police officer said that no bodies had been recovered so far and efforts were underway to trace the missing minors. The identities and ages of the children were being verified, he added.
Local residents also gathered near the riverbank as rescue teams continued their efforts. Authorities said the operation may continue until the missing children are located or further information emerges.
Police are also gathering details about the circumstances in which the children entered the river and whether adequate precautions were in place at the bathing spot.
Officials have appealed to people to avoid entering the Yamuna, especially during periods of strong flow, as the river current can become dangerous and unpredictable.
