Elderly Farmer Swept Away While Returning Home from Fields

Palamu, Jharkhand: A tragic incident has left residents of Dangwar village in Palamu district devastated after a 62-year-old farmer reportedly drowned while crossing the Son River. Even after more than 20 hours of intensive search operations, the missing farmer's body has not been found despite persistent efforts by local authorities, divers, and villagers.

The deceased has been identified as Bigan Chaudhary, a resident of Dangwar village under Hussainabad police station limits. He had been farming for decades, according to the locals, and he frequently crossed the Son River to get to his agricultural land in the Dila region on the other bank.

Accident Occurred During Daily Return Journey

As per eyewitness accounts, Bigan Chaudhary had gone to his fields on Friday as part of his routine agricultural work. He tried to cross the Son River on his way home in the evening, a route he had taken innumerable times.

However, villagers believe that the river's water level had risen unexpectedly, making the crossing more dangerous than usual. Chaudhary allegedly lost his balance during the crossing and was carried by the current into a deeper area of the river. People nearby rushed to help, but the strong flow of water made rescue efforts unsuccessful.

Villagers Launch Immediate Search Efforts

News of the incident spread quickly through the village, prompting dozens of residents to gather along the riverbank. Local villagers immediately began searching the river using boats and traditional methods in an attempt to locate the missing farmer.

The search continued late into the night, but darkness and difficult river conditions hampered the operation. Despite their determination, no trace of Chaudhary could be found.

On Saturday morning, the search resumed with renewed intensity as villagers joined hands with authorities to continue the operation.

Administration and Divers Join Rescue Mission

Following the incident, local administration officials reached the site to monitor and coordinate rescue efforts. Revenue and police officials, along with representatives of the local panchayat, inspected the area and reviewed the ongoing search operation.

Professional divers were deployed to scan different sections of the river. Teams have been conducting systematic searches in areas where the farmer is believed to have gone under. Authorities stated that every possible effort is being made to recover the body as quickly as possible.

Officials remain stationed near the river and are maintaining close communication with family members and local residents.

Rising Water Level Suspected Behind the Tragedy

Residents of the area say that the Son River had remained relatively shallow in recent weeks due to intense summer conditions. As a result, many villagers, including farmers, frequently crossed the river on foot to access agricultural land.

However, water levels reportedly increased on Friday, creating stronger currents in certain stretches of the river. Local people suspect that Chaudhary unknowingly entered a deeper portion of the river while returning from his fields, leading to the fatal accident.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by rural farmers who rely on river crossings for their daily livelihood.

Village in Mourning as Family Awaits Closure

The disappearance of Bigan Chaudhary has plunged Dangwar village into grief. Family members remain at the riverbank, hoping for updates from the search teams. Relatives and neighbors have gathered to support the bereaved family during this difficult time.

With no recovery yet, anxiety continues to grow among villagers. Authorities have assured residents that the search operation will continue until the missing farmer is located.

The heartbreaking tragedy serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, even on familiar routes used every day. For now, an entire village waits in hope as rescuers continue their efforts along the Son River.