A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Saturday when five children went to bathe in the Belahi Dhaar river near Kasraud Basauli village under Gaura Bauram block. The playful outing turned into a devastating accident as four children drowned while one narrowly survived.

The incident shook the entire village, with grieving families mourning their young children. Local divers managed to recover the bodies after hours of struggle. Authorities confirmed the identities of the victims, all belonging to the same village.

The Fateful Afternoon in Darbhanga

On Saturday afternoon, five children entered the Belahi Dhaar river for bathing. The river, known for its sudden deep patches, proved fatal. The children ventured into deeper waters where they lost balance and began to drown.

Nearby, 14-year-old Rohit Kumar noticed the desperate cries for help. Rohit, son of villager Jaishankar Mukhiya, quickly jumped into the river. Displaying extraordinary courage, he managed to save two children, Rahul and Anita, by pulling them to safety.

However, when two more children clung to his neck in panic, Rohit himself lost control. Despite his brave attempts, he was dragged under by the weight and drowned. His sacrifice is now being remembered as an act of heroism by the local community.

Victims Identified

Local authorities confirmed the identities of the victims late in the evening.

Those who lost their lives in the Darbhanga drowning incident 2025 include:

• Rohit Kumar, 14, son of Jaishankar Mukhiya

• Anshu Kumari, 12, daughter of Pramod Mukhiya

• Laxmi Kumari, 14, daughter of Narayan Mukhiya

• Sheetal Kumari, 14, daughter of late Chandu Mukhiya

Two children survived the tragedy thanks to Rohit’s bravery. Their names were identified as Rahul and Anita, both residents of the same village.

Rescue Operations and Delay in NDRF Response

According to locals, information about the accident was given immediately to authorities. Families and villagers waited in despair for professional help. However, despite repeated calls, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team did not arrive at the spot even four hours after the incident.

Frustrated by the delay, villagers engaged local divers to retrieve the bodies. After hours of effort, the divers managed to bring all four bodies to the shore by late evening.

Local anger was visible at the site, with many accusing officials of negligence and slow response. For grieving parents, the delay worsened the trauma.

Official Confirmation

Gaura Bauram Circle Officer Abhishek Anand confirmed the incident. He stated that all four bodies were identified and handed over to families after the recovery. Post-mortem procedures are expected to follow as per law.

The administration assured that necessary compensation and support will be provided to the families of the victims.

A Community in Shock

Kasraud Basauli village has been left in deep mourning. The deaths of four children have created an atmosphere of sorrow and disbelief.

Neighbors gathered outside the houses of the victims to console the families. The sacrifice of Rohit, who saved two lives at the cost of his own, has become the focus of conversations in the village. Many referred to him as a “young hero” whose bravery should be remembered.

Rising Concerns Over River Safety

The tragedy has also highlighted recurring concerns over drowning cases in rural Bihar. Rivers and water bodies in Darbhanga are often used by children and families for bathing and recreation. However, lack of safety measures and awareness leads to frequent accidents.

Experts say children often underestimate the dangers of deep waters, especially in rivers like Belahi Dhaar, which have unpredictable depths and strong undercurrents.

Local residents demanded that the administration take preventive steps, such as setting up warning signs, fencing dangerous areas, and ensuring faster deployment of rescue teams in emergencies.

Similar Incidents in the Past

Darbhanga and nearby districts have reported several drowning incidents in recent years. With rivers swelling during monsoon, accidents become more frequent.

Villagers recall earlier cases where multiple children drowned while bathing during summer or monsoon seasons. Each incident highlights the urgent need for safety education and proper infrastructure.

Parents’ Heartbreaking Grief

The families of the deceased are inconsolable. Rohit’s parents said their son had always been responsible and brave, but they never imagined his courage would cost him his life. For them, he died as a savior, rescuing others while sacrificing himself.

The parents of Anshu, Laxmi, and Sheetal are shattered, having lost their daughters in what began as a simple afternoon swim. Their cries filled the village as the bodies were brought home.

The Role of Local Divers

Without immediate official help, villagers relied on local divers. These men, experienced in river waters, entered the Belahi Dhaar despite risks. After continuous attempts for hours, they retrieved the bodies.

The efforts of these divers prevented the tragedy from becoming worse, as more children could have drowned had the river currents spread panic further. Villagers now demand official recognition for their efforts.

Administrative Response Under Scrutiny

The incident has once again raised questions about the preparedness of disaster management authorities in Bihar. With the NDRF failing to reach in time, locals argue that rural areas are often neglected in terms of emergency response.

Political leaders in the region have demanded an inquiry into the delay. They have urged the state government to improve coordination between district administration and disaster response teams.

Lessons for the Future

The Darbhanga drowning accident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly joy can turn into tragedy. Experts and local activists believe that better awareness campaigns could prevent such incidents.

Schools and community organizations have been advised to teach children about water safety, swimming basics, and emergency handling. Proper signage and restrictions in dangerous rivers could also save lives.

The tragic drowning of four children in the Belahi Dhaar river accident Darbhanga 2025 has left a permanent scar on Kasraud Basauli village. Rohit Kumar’s bravery in saving two children before drowning himself stands out as a story of sacrifice amid sorrow.

While families grieve their unimaginable loss, the incident raises pressing concerns about safety, administrative readiness, and the urgent need for preventive measures in rural Bihar.

As villagers remember the young victims, they also hope authorities will ensure no other family faces such a tragedy in the future.