Twenty-two individuals tragically drowned while bathing in rivers and ponds across Bihar in separate incidents over the last 24 hours, with many participating in the Jivitputrika festival rituals. During this festival, women observe a fast for the well-being of their children. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences for the lives lost and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased person.
The victims were spread across various districts, with five drowning in Bhojpur, four in Jehanabad, three each in Patna and Rohtas, two each in Darbhanga and Nawada, and one each in Kaimur, Madhepura, and Aurangabad, as per the statement from the chief minister’s office.
In a particularly tragic incident in Bhojpur, five girls aged 15 to 20 lost their lives near Bahiyara Ghat of the Sone River on Saturday. The accident occurred when one of the girls was swept away by strong currents while attempting to take a selfie, prompting four others to try and rescue her.
The announcement of financial assistance aims to alleviate the immediate financial burden on the families of the deceased. The incident underscores the need for heightened safety awareness, especially during festive times when people gather near water bodies. The chief minister’s condolences and swift response reflect the government’s commitment to supporting affected families during such distressing events.