A 23-year-old student from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur was swept away by the strong currents of the Kharkhai river on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred near the Asangi check dam in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Despite rescue efforts, the student remains missing, sparking protests by fellow students who are calling for accountability from the institute.
Details of the Incident
The student, Mir Hasin Tanbir, was a fourth-year B.Tech (Hons) student specializing in metallurgical and materials engineering. Originally from Masagram in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district, Tanbir had gone to the river with a classmate around 2:30 pm to bathe. The river was swollen due to continuous rainfall over recent days, which caused a strong current.
Shortly after entering the water, Tanbir was swept away. His friend attempted to rescue him by throwing clothes to hold onto, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The surviving student immediately informed the NIT authorities, who then alerted the local police. A search operation was launched with the help of local divers, but Tanbir could not be located.
The district administration was notified around 3 pm and requested assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team based in Ranchi. The search was suspended at night due to darkness and was set to resume once the NDRF team arrived.
Context of the Kharkhai River and Safety Concerns
The Kharkhai river flows through the Seraikela-Kharsawan district and is known to swell rapidly during the monsoon season. The Asangi check dam area, where the incident took place, is a common spot for locals and students to visit. However, the river’s strong currents and rising water levels during heavy rains pose significant risks.
Swimming in such conditions is dangerous, especially without proper safety equipment or trained personnel nearby. The incident highlights the absence of adequate safety measures at the site, which has raised concerns among students and local residents.
Student Protests and Demands for Accountability
Following the tragedy, students of NIT Jamshedpur gathered outside the campus gate to protest. They demanded the resignation of the registrar-in-charge, accusing the institute’s administration of failing to respond promptly and effectively to the emergency.
The protesters alleged that some students who knew how to swim were prevented from entering the river to assist in the search. They also criticized the institute for lacking basic rescue equipment such as ropes, which could have aided in the operation. The students are calling for a formal inquiry, adequate compensation for Tanbir’s family, and improved safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the student swept away in the Kharkhai river?
A: The student was Mir Hasin Tanbir, a 23-year-old fourth-year metallurgical and materials engineering student at NIT Jamshedpur.
Q: What caused the student to be swept away?
A: Tanbir was swept away by the strong current of the Kharkhai river, which had swollen due to continuous rainfall in the area.
Q: What actions have been taken following the incident?
A: A rescue operation involving local divers and the National Disaster Response Force was launched, but the student remains missing. Students have protested, demanding accountability and better safety measures from the institute.
