A 17-year-old boy died and three other devotees were rescued after several people were swept into deep water during Ganesh idol immersion in the Surya River at Kasa in Dahanu taluka on Sunday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Shivraj Gawali. The incident occurred at an immersion ghat on the river after the procession had ended. At around 12.30 pm, the approximately six-foot-tall idol brought by Lohar Mitra Mandal from Charoti Naka was taken into the river for immersion.
According to the report, some devotees entered a deeper section of the river along with the idol. Four to five people suddenly began to drown after misjudging the depth and water conditions. Gram panchayat security personnel stationed on the bank, police officers and local residents immediately began rescue efforts.
Three devotees were pulled out of the water in time. However, Shivraj Gawali was carried away into deeper water as the river current intensified. The rescue operation continued for about three to four hours, but the search was disrupted by darkness at night and the teenager could not be located.
The search resumed on Monday morning. His body was recovered from the river at around 10 am, according to the report. Police conducted the panchnama and began further legal proceedings.
The incident places renewed attention on the risks involved in conducting immersion ceremonies in natural water bodies, where changing depth, currents and limited visibility can complicate rescue operations. The report said security staff and lifeguards were present at the site, allowing three people to be rescued quickly, but the river conditions prevented the recovery of Shivraj on the same day.
The death has led to grief in the Charoti Naka and Kasa areas. The police investigation and related legal procedures are continuing.
