Doda, Aug 31: In a dramatic night-long operation, Doda Police, assisted by SDRF and Army personnel, rescued eight men who were trapped in the middle of the Chenab river in Assar area of Doda district.
Police officials said a distress call was received at Police Station Assar around midnight, informing that eight persons using a makeshift wooden raft had been stranded near Karmail after getting stuck amidst floating timber.Acting swiftly, District Police Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and SDRF were rushed to the spot with rescue equipment.
Dense fog over the river posed a major challenge, reducing visibility, but high-powered torches and coordinated guidance enabled rescuers to direct the stranded individuals towards the woods and eventually to the riverbank.
The three-hour-long rescue was conducted under the immediate supervision of DySP DAR/SDRF Adil Rishu and SHO Assar Inspector Rakesh Bandral, under the command of SSP Doda, Sandeep Mehta (JKPS).
The 48 RR Army unit and a police team from Batote led by SHO Inspector Vijay Kotwal also assisted in the operation.All eight individuals were brought to safety without any casualty.
An inquiry has been initiated to ascertain whether the group had entered the river to illegally collect timber in violation of prohibitory orders. Police said that if any deliberate act of timber theft or disobedience of lawful orders is established, strict action will be taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Appealing to the public, police urged people not to risk their lives by venturing into the Chenab on unsafe rafts or makeshift boats, warning that anyone found indulging in such unlawful and dangerous activities would face stern legal action.
