Heroic Rescue in Maharashtra: Man Swept Away by River

Authorities are searching for Bhaskar Padhir, who got swept away by the Vaitarna river in Thane district while rescuing Ruchika Pawar. The incident occurred due to a sudden rise in water levels. Locals allege an unannounced water release from the Middle Vaitarna dam and have demanded accountability.

The authorities in Maharashtra's Thane district have launched a search operation after a man was swept away in a river, an official said on Sunday.

The man, Bhaskar Padhir, was attempting to cross the Vaitarna river in Shahapur on Saturday with Ruchika Pawar when the water level suddenly rose. Padhir managed to save Pawar from the strong currents and helped locals pull her to safety.

However, the swirling waters dragged Padhir away, and he went missing, according to the official. Locals from Sawarde village allege the accident was caused by an unannounced water release from the Middle Vaitarna dam, prompting a protest at the dam. An investigation is underway to determine if there was any negligence on the part of the dam staff, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies.)