A search operation entered its second day on Tuesday after four friends were drowned in the Yamuna River near Zero Pusta Road in East Delhi’s Geeta Colony. Two bodies have been recovered so far, while rescue teams continue efforts to trace the remaining two men amid the river’s swollen water level and strong current, which have made the operation challenging.
The incident occurred near Madina Masjid on Zero Pusta Road under the Geeta Colony police station area on Monday evening. According to family members, the four friends had met in the Gandhi Nagar area before heading to the river for a swim.
Shortly after entering the water, they were allegedly swept away by the strong current, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a distress call around 7:20 pm on Monday and immediately dispatched two fire tenders from the Geeta Colony and Laxmi Nagar fire stations. Police, firefighters and rescue personnel launched a search operation, combing the river stretch for the missing men.
During the initial operation on Monday night, rescuers recovered the body of Sonu (40). However, the search had to be suspended after nightfall due to poor visibility and was resumed early on Tuesday with the assistance of divers and additional rescue teams.
Around 9:40 am on Tuesday, the body of Rajan (32) was also recovered. Search operations continued for Hemant (27) and Sachin (35), with divers, police personnel and rescue agencies scouring the area despite difficult conditions.
Fire Officer Deshpal said the department had received information that four men had drowned near Zero Pusta. “Our teams from the Geeta Colony and Laxmi Nagar fire stations reached the spot immediately after receiving the call. One body was recovered during the initial operation, while search efforts for the remaining persons are continuing,” he said.
Fire brigade officials said that the high water level of the Yamuna, coupled with strong currents and poor underwater visibility, has significantly slowed the operation, making it difficult for divers to conduct a thorough search.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the river during the monsoon season, when water levels can rise suddenly and currents become unpredictable.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are expected to record statements of family members and witnesses after the rescue operation concludes.
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