Chaibasa, August 30, 2026: A search operation in Bahda village under Chhotanagra police station in Saranda turned tragic after villagers recovered the body of a woman who was swept away in the swollen Kuina River. Two other villagers remain missing after the three were caught in the river’s strong current on Sunday evening.
The body was found around 500 metres downstream from the spot where the incident occurred, lodged in bushes along the river. Local residents involved in the search spotted it and pulled it out of the water.
Two villagers still missing
The deceased woman has been identified as the mother of Roya Sidhu, the Munda of Bahda village.
The two villagers still unaccounted for are Bosen Sidhu, Roya Sidhu’s father, and Sunita Sidhu, wife of Bamia Sidhu.
Residents have continued searching for them, but difficult conditions are hampering the effort. The river is running fast, while darkness and continuing rainfall are making it difficult to search the water and surrounding areas.
Sudden surge swept villagers away
The three villagers had reportedly attended the funeral of a person in their village on Sunday and were returning home after crossing the river.
During their return, a sudden influx of water from the hilly area caused the water level in the Kuina River to rise sharply. The resulting current swept all three villagers away.
Following the recovery of the woman’s body, residents are continuing their search for Bosen Sidhu and Sunita Sidhu.
The source material does not provide details of an official rescue team deployment or an administration statement on the search operation.
