The body of an agriculture department officer who went missing after being swept away by strong currents while picnicking near the banks of Ganol river was recovered by police from a location near Pelga falls in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district on Wednesday, officials said. Teseng M Sangma, a district agriculture officer posted in Ampati, went missing on Sunday evening (August 3) while attempting to cross the Ganol river, which was in spate due to heavy rainfall.
A massive search operation was launched by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Special Response Team (SRT), police personnel and local volunteers since Sunday evening. SRT teams from Tura and Damalgre worked in tandem, focusing on downstream stretches at Pelga and Domesal Wari, while others swept through Waa Wari and adjoining riverbanks.
Despite the challenges posed by fluctuating water levels and rugged landscapes, authorities persisted with their search, demonstrating strong coordination between local agencies and community members. Authorities are yet to release further details on the circumstances leading to the officer’s disappearance. An investigation is expected to follow. The recovery has brought a tragic end to the search and left the local administrative and agricultural departments in mourning.