UP Officer Swept Away in Ganga; Divers Demanded Rs 10,000 To Rescue Him

The search for Uttar Pradesh health department deputy director Aditya Vardhan Singh, who was swept away by strong currents in the Ganga, continued into its second day on Sunday. Singh, 45, was at Nanamau Ghat in Bilhaur, Unnao, on Saturday afternoon when the incident occurred. According to police, Singh moved into deeper waters to be photographed by his friends while offering ‘arghya’ to the sun god. Despite knowing how to swim, he was caught in a strong current.

Allegations of Negligence and Extortion

Singh’s friends claimed that when they sought help from private divers at the ghat, they were asked to pay Rs 10,000. Unable to pay immediately, they transferred the money online, but by then, Singh had already been swept away. Bilhaur ACP Ajay Kumar Trivedi reported that search efforts, which include the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), flood unit, police, and private divers, have yet to yield results.

Investigation into Divers’ Conduct

DCP (West) Rajesh Kumar Singh noted that the divers had claimed they requested money only for fuel. “If there is any truth to the allegations of extortion, we will take legal action against the divers,” Singh stated. The search for Singh is ongoing, with authorities hopeful for a resolution soon.