SRINAGAR : A 21-year-old woman allegedly jumped into the Chenab River from the Shiva Dal bridge near Prem Nagar in Doda district on Sunday afternoon, triggering a search operation by police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers.
The woman, identified as Payal Devi, reportedly jumped into the river around 2 pm. Despite efforts by rescuers, she could not be traced till the latest reports.
A video purportedly showing Payal moments before she jumped into the river also surfaced on social media. Passersby could reportedly be heard trying to persuade her not to take the step.
The circumstances leading to the incident were not immediately clear.
According to her father, Krishan Lal, Payal had gone to a local mela earlier in the day before calling him and saying that she was feeling unwell and wanted to consult a doctor.
Lal said that when the doctor was reportedly unavailable, Payal began returning home. During the journey, she apparently travelled on a motorcycle.
He later received a call from a person accompanying her, who told him that Payal had suddenly run towards the river.
Lal said he then spoke to his daughter over the phone and repeatedly asked her what had happened and whether anyone had said or done anything to her.
“Nobody should come near me,” Lal recalled her as saying.
He said Payal subsequently told him that nobody had done anything to her.
“No, Papa. This is my own life. My heart tells me that I should go this way,” Lal quoted her as saying.
She then told him, “Bye-bye, Papa,” before the call was disconnected, he said.
Following the incident, police, SDRF personnel and local volunteers launched a search operation in the Chenab River.
The strong current of the river and difficult terrain have made the rescue effort challenging. Officials said further details would emerge as the search operation and investigation continue.
