Doda Police rescue eight lives in night-long rescue operation on Chenab

Doda, Aug 31: In a daring night-long operation, Doda Police, assisted by SDRF, Army, and locals, rescued eight men who were trapped in the middle of river Chenab at Karmail area of Assar in Doda district.

Police sources said a distress call was received at Police Station Assar around midnight about eight individuals stranded on a makeshift wooden raft amidst floating timber. Responding swiftly, Quick Reaction Teams of Doda Police, accompanied by SDRF personnel, rushed to the site with rescue equipment.

Dense fog and poor visibility compounded the challenge, but rescuers used high-powered torches and coordinated guidance to help the stranded men navigate towards the woods before eventually reaching the riverbank safely. The operation, lasting nearly three hours, was conducted under the supervision of DySP DAR/SDRF Adil Rishu and SHO Assar Inspector Rakesh Bandral, under the direct command of SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta, JKPS. A 48 RR Army unit also provided vital assistance, while a team from Police Station Batote, led by SHO Inspector Vijay Kotwal, was present at the spot.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts, all eight individuals were rescued without any casualty.

Police said an inquiry has been initiated to ascertain how the men got trapped. Preliminary suspicion suggests they may have entered the river to illegally collect timber in violation of prohibitory orders of the District Magistrate. Authorities cautioned that if any deliberate act, such as timber theft or disobedience of lawful orders, is established, strict legal action will be taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Police also appealed to the public not to risk their lives by venturing into Chenab with unsafe rafts or makeshift means, warning that such acts not only endanger lives but also invite stern legal consequences. [ KNT]