KKN Gurugram Desk | A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, where three teenage boys who had left home for coaching classes on Thursday evening were found dead in the Ganga River the next morning. The victims, all residents of nearby villages, are believed to have accidentally drowned while spending time near the riverbank.

The bodies were recovered after a tense overnight search operation involving police, local residents, and boatmen. The tragic deaths have shocked the local community, leaving three families in deep mourning.

Timeline of the Incident

 Location: Jagdishpur Ghat, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh Date of Disappearance: May 29, 2025 (Thursday evening)

Bodies Recovered: May 30, 2025 (Friday morning)

Time of Alert: Around 6:00 PM on Thursday

According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the three boys left their respective homes in the evening, telling their families they were headed to a nearby coaching institute. When they did not return by nightfall, families grew concerned and began searching.

At Jagdishpur Ghat, locals noticed three parked bicycles, scattered clothes, and school books near the river. This led to immediate suspicion of drowning, prompting a search operation.

Victim Details

The deceased teenagers were identified as:

1. Sandeep Kumar (15) – Son of Yogendra Kumar, resident of Sawan Chapra

2. Vinay Gond (17) – Son of Rajan Gond, also from Sawan Chapra

3. Wasim (18) – Son of Rasid Miyan, resident of Vachan Chapra

All three were close friends and frequent visitors to the ghat, often going there after classes.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Following the initial alarm, local police—led by Station House Officer Harishankar Singh—arrived at the scene along with tehsildar Manoj Rai, Naib Tehsildar Rajneesh Singh, and a police team.

Despite a thorough night-long search with help from local fishermen and boatmen, the bodies could not be located on Thursday. It was only on Friday morning, around 6:30 AM, that villagers spotted the bodies floating downstream.

Police were informed immediately, and all three bodies were recovered and brought to the shore. Hundreds of local residents had gathered at the ghat by then.

Post-Mortem Dispute and Emotional Scenes

In a scene filled with grief and agony, the families initially refused to allow post-mortem examinations, wanting to take the bodies home for last rites.

However, administrative officers on site, including the Tehsildar, intervened and persuaded the families to agree to a post-mortem as required by law. The bodies were later sent to the district hospital for examination to rule out foul play and confirm drowning as the cause of death.

Witnesses Speak: “We Thought They Went to Study”

Neighbors and relatives expressed deep shock:

“They were good boys, very focused on their studies. No one expected this. When they didn’t return home, we feared the worst. Now our worst fears are true,” said a grieving uncle of Sandeep.

Locals believe the boys may have entered the river to cool off after a hot day or simply went to play, unaware of the strong undercurrents that the Ganga is known for in that region.

Police Statement

Station House Officer Harishankar Singh confirmed:

“Initial reports and the scene of recovery suggest this was an accidental drowning. However, we are not taking anything for granted. Post-mortem results will provide clarity.”

An FIR has not been lodged since there is no indication of criminal activity at this stage.

Community in Shock: Calls for Safety Measures

This incident has sparked fresh calls for safety measures at riverbanks that are frequently visited by children and youth, especially in rural and semi-urban districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Local residents and leaders are demanding:

• Fencing or signage at popular ghat areas

• Deployment of life guards or volunteers

• Awareness campaigns in schools regarding river safety

• Better lighting and surveillance near water bodies

“Every year we lose children like this. Why are there no warning boards or safety patrols at these ghats?” questioned a local schoolteacher who arrived at the scene.

Ganga Drowning Incidents – A Recurring Tragedy in Eastern UP

The Ganga River flows across many densely populated districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Ballia, Varanasi, and Ghazipur. Due to religious, cultural, and recreational reasons, ghats are commonly frequented, especially by youth during the summer months.

According to data from Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (SDRF):

• Over 1,200 drownings were reported in the Ganga across UP in the past three years.

• Most victims were under the age of 25.

• Less than 10% of ghats have formal safety measures or warning systems.

Government and Administrative Response

The local administration in Ballia has promised to:

• Install warning signs at Jagdishpur and nearby ghats.

• Coordinate with the SDRF to conduct safety inspections.

• Launch a school-based awareness campaign on the risks of swimming or wading in rivers.

District Magistrate’s office has also offered condolences and is considering compensation packages for the bereaved families under state disaster relief funds.

Emotional Impact and Funeral Plans

The funerals of all three boys are scheduled to be conducted in their respective villages later on Friday. The community is uniting in grief, and local leaders have visited the families to offer support.

The scene at the ghat, where relatives wailed and fainted upon seeing the bodies, was described as “unbearably painful” by onlookers.

“They had just started their lives. So young. So full of dreams,” said a sobbing neighbor.

This tragedy is not just a story of accidental drowning; it is a systemic failure to protect children near dangerous water bodies. The deaths of Sandeep, Vinay, and Wasim should serve as a wake-up call for better riverfront management and safety protocols across rural India.

While families mourn their unimaginable loss, the administration must ensure no more lives are lost due to negligence and lack of infrastructure.