Selfie turns tragic as WB youth slips, goes missing in Bhandan river at Ramatirtha ghat in Odisha

A routine evening turned tragic in Mayurbhanj district after a 22-year-old migrant worker from West Bengal went missing in the Bhandan river while attempting to take a selfie. The incident occurred at the Ramatirtha ghat in Jashipur on Tuesday evening, and despite a continuous search by the Fire Services, the youth still remains untraceable.

According to reports, the missing youth has been identified as Shaheen Alam, a native of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. He had been residing in Jashipur for several months, working as a mason.

According to eyewitnesses, Alam was standing near the ghat taking a selfie when he reportedly slipped. He was swept away instantly by the strong undercurrent of the Bhandan River.

Search And Rescue Efforts Underway

Following the incident, local residents immediately alerted the Fire Services. A rescue team rushed to the spot and began an extensive search operation using boats and rescue gear. Officials confirmed that operations continued overnight, but no trace of Alam has been found yet.

Jashipur police have also reached the site and registered a case. Police stated that the river has a strong current in this stretch, which hampered the search operation. However, efforts are ongoing, sources said.

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Lack Of Preventive Measures Flagged

At Ramatirtha, where local devotees and visitors often gather, locals said there are no warning signs or safety railings to restrict risky behaviour. Eyewitnesses also claimed that, despite the rocks being slippery, there was no prohibition put up by the administration restricting access to the site.

Meanwhile, back in Murshidabad, Alam’s family has been informed of the incident but awaits any positive developments. As of the latest update, Alam had yet to be located.

No further official comment has been received in connection with the incident so far.