KKN Gurugram Desk |  In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh, nine members of a family from Amethi district drowned in the Ganga River during an asthi visarjan (ritual immersion of ashes) ceremony. The tragedy occurred at the VIP Ghat in Dalmau, a well-known cremation and immersion site in Rae Bareli district.

Three lives were lost, including a 12-year-old boy, while six others were rescued in a frantic effort by local divers present at the scene. The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the lack of safety measures and supervision at religious ghats in India.

How the Tragedy Unfolded: A Ritual Turned Fatal

According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the family had arrived from Palpur village in Gauriganj, Amethi district, to perform the final rites of Ramkishore Kaushal, who had passed away on Friday.

Around 8:30 AM on Sunday, the family began the asthi visarjan ceremony at the VIP Ghat in Dalmau, a popular but often overcrowded site along the Ganga River. It was during this sacred ritual that the youngest member of the group, 12-year-old Aryan, slipped into the river and began to drown.

In a desperate attempt to save him, one family member after another jumped into the water, creating a human chain that tragically led to a mass drowning incident.

Names and Identities of the Victims and Survivors

The individuals involved in the drowning were all related, highlighting the scale of personal loss within a single family unit. Those who drowned or were rescued include:

1. Chand Kumar (60) – Son of the deceased, Ramkishore Kaushal

2. Chandra Prakash (55) – Son of Ramkishore

3. Chandrama Kaushal (62) – Son of Ramkishore

4. Vidhi Chand (45) – Relative

5. Balchand (42) – Son of Parasnath

6. Dharmchand (40) – Son of Parasnath

7. Ayush (19) – Son of Vidhi Chand

8. Anil (49) – Son of Munna Prasad

9. Aryan (12) – Son of Balchand

While six individuals were successfully rescued, Aryan, Balchand, and Chand Kumar were in critical condition upon being pulled out of the river. They were immediately rushed to the Dalmau Community Health Center, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.

Quick Response by Local Divers Saved Lives

Locals and eyewitnesses reported that the incident could have been even more tragic if not for the swift response of professional divers present at the ghat. Upon seeing the group struggling in the river, the divers jumped in without hesitation, pulling people out one by one.

“They saved six lives. Without them, it would have been a complete disaster,” said a local shopkeeper near the ghat.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Local police arrived at the scene shortly after receiving information about the incident. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem at Rae Bareli’s district hospital. A formal inquiry has been launched into the sequence of events and the absence of precautionary measures at the site.

According to officials, no lifeguards or warning signs were placed at the location despite its popularity for ritual immersions.

“We have initiated an inquiry and will be submitting a report on safety protocols at religious ghats across the district,” said a senior officer from the Dalmau Police Station.

Grief and Mourning: Community and Family in Shock

The news of the deaths sent shockwaves through Palpur village, where hundreds gathered to mourn the tragic loss. The victims belonged to an extended joint family, and their funeral processions were marked by inconsolable wailing and mass mourning.

The surviving family members, some of whom narrowly escaped death, remain in deep emotional trauma, with counseling teams dispatched to offer psychological support.

MLAs and Local Officials Offer Condolences

Local representatives, including area MLA and district administration officials, visited the bereaved family to express condolences and offer support. The Rae Bareli district administration has promised:

• Ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin

• Counseling for trauma survivors

• A review of ghat safety infrastructure

“This is not just a family tragedy but a systemic failure. Ritual sites must be made safer immediately,” said a local MLA.

Rising Incidents of Water-Related Fatalities in UP

This incident adds to a growing list of drowning deaths across Uttar Pradesh, especially during religious ceremonies like asthi visarjan, Chhath Puja, and Magh Mela.

In 2024 alone, over 600 drowning deaths were reported in the state, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Experts blame:

• Lack of fencing at riverbanks

• Absence of certified lifeguards

• Overcrowding and unmanaged crowd control

• Poor awareness about water currents and safety

Religious Rituals and River Safety: A Long-Overdue Discussion

While rituals such as asthi visarjan are a vital part of Hindu culture, the practice remains largely unregulated. With millions performing such rites along India’s rivers annually, safety remains an afterthought, often addressed only after a tragedy strikes.

River ghats, especially on the Ganga and Yamuna, continue to witness fatalities due to:

• Unpredictable water depth

• Slippery stone steps

• Strong undercurrents

• Sudden drop-offs and hidden rocks

Need for Systemic Reforms: What Experts Recommend

Following this incident, several experts and civil safety organizations have reiterated the need for mandatory safety guidelines at ritual sites. Recommended steps include:

• Appointment of trained lifeguards at all active ghats

• Installation of warning signs and depth markers

• Provision of life jackets and emergency response kits

• Deployment of police or civil defense personnel during peak hours

• Regular public safety awareness drives

Voices from the Ground: Locals Speak Out

Locals around the Dalmau Ghat were both grieving and angry. Several residents claimed that requests to local authorities for better infrastructure and safety checks have gone unheard for years.

“We’ve asked for guardrails, signs, and ropes. But nothing happens until someone dies,” said Ram Naresh, a temple priest near the ghat.

The Rae Bareli drowning tragedy is not an isolated incident—it’s a grim reminder of administrative negligence and the lack of preparedness at India’s religious and ritual hotspots. While the spiritual sanctity of these practices must be preserved, it cannot come at the cost of human lives.

As three more lives are lost to preventable circumstances, the onus is on local governments, civic bodies, and communities to ensure that faith is not fatal.