18-year-old swept away in drain amid heavy rain, search operation underway

An 18-year-old youth was swept away by the strong current of a rain-swollen drain in southeast Delhi while attempting to cross it, prompting a large-scale search operation by police and rescue agencies. The incident occurred on Friday evening near Priyanka Camp Nala in Madanpur Khadar, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sarita Vihar police station. The missing youth has been identified as Ankit, a resident of Bhim Colony. The incident came amid heavy rainfall across Delhi-NCR, which caused widespread waterlogging and increased water levels and currents in drains and other channels across the region.

Slipped while crossing drain

Ankit was accompanied by his friend Manish when the incident occurred. According to police, the two were returning home from Noida when Ankit lost his footing while attempting to cross the drain. Manish told police that Ankit accidentally slipped, lost his balance and fell into the drain before being swept away by the strong current. A PCR call was subsequently made to Sarita Vihar police station informing officials that a youth had been swept away. A police team was immediately sent to the spot.

Ankit had reportedly finished his shift at a company in Noida and was on his way home when the incident took place at around 8 pm. Residents said the drain is usually not very deep, but heavy rainfall had caused the water to flow with considerably greater force. Eyewitnesses also claimed that people present near the spot had warned Ankit against attempting to cross near the bridge because of the strong current. He was reportedly in a hurry to reach home and attempted to cross before losing his footing and falling into the water.

Rescue operation continues

Following the incident, Delhi Police launched a search operation with assistance from teams of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Delhi Fire Service. Rescue personnel continued searching the drain and surrounding areas, but Ankit had not been located at the time of the latest report. The incident occurred as intense monsoon showers battered Delhi and adjoining areas, leaving several roads waterlogged and affecting normal movement across the National Capital Region. The heavy rainfall has also led to increased water flow in open drains and other channels, heightening risks in low-lying and waterlogged areas. Authorities continued the search for Ankit on Saturday, with rescue teams working to trace the missing teenager.