Tura, Aug 3: Search and rescue operations have been launched after an agriculture officer was swept away by powerful water currents while attempting to cross the river at Sella Wari, on the outskirts of Tura, on Sunday afternoon.
The victim, Teseng M. Sangma, resident of MBOSE near Dolampong, under Araimile police station in Tura, happens to be the agriculture officer posted at Ampati in South West Garo Hills.
He had reportedly gone to the picnic area of Sella Wari for an outing with family when calamity struck. He was reportedly trying to cross the river when he got pulled in and quickly disappeared into the water. Despite a frantic search he could not be found.
Teams from the Fire and Emergency service, Tura police and expert village divers have been pressed into service to try and locate the missing person.
Due to darkness the operation has been temporarily halted at 7:30 PM and will resume at first light on Monday, informed West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma.
Rivers across Garo Hills, including the Ganol river, where Sella Wari is located, has been in spate after a heavy downpour on Saturday night.