An official of the Meghalaya Agriculture Department was swept away by strong currents of the Ganol River in West Garo Hills district while attempting to cross the water body during a family picnic, police said on Monday. The missing official, identified as Teseng M Sangma, was posted at Ampati in South West Garo Hills district and resided in staff quarters near Dolampong in Araimile police station area in Tura. Teseng had gone to Sella Wari near Ganol River for a picnic along with his family on Sunday, officials said.
Sangma, who was posted at Ampati in South West Garo Hills and lived in staff quarters near Dolampong under the Araimile police station in Tura, had gone on the outing with his family. According to police, the incident occurred when he tried to cross the river despite it being in spate following continuous rainfall. His family informed authorities that he was suddenly swept away and disappeared beneath the forceful waters. Immediately after receiving the information, search and rescue operations were launched with assistance from local swimmers, volunteers, and the Fire and Emergency Services.
Despite extensive efforts, the officer remained untraced till Sunday evening. Poor visibility further hampered the search, which was suspended around 7:30 p.m. and was set to resume Monday morning, said West Garo Hills SP Abraham T Sangma. সOfficials noted that the Ganol River and others in the region had seen a sharp rise in water levels due to Saturday night’s rainfall, making the conditions highly risky for any river-based activity.