At least two persons were drowned and another seven feared dead during immersion of idols of Lord Ganesha in the Yamuna on Wednesday in two separate incidents, police said.
The first incident was reported in the afternoon from Wazirabad Yamuna Bank in North Delhi where at least five persons are feared dead, said police.
In the second incident reported from Kudeshia Ghat near Kashmere Gate, two people were feared dead. Rescue operations were on till late in the night.
A group of devotees comprising 12 men, aged between 20 and 30, had been lifting a heavy idol of Lord Ganesha and entered the river amid heavy rush. Not able to find enough depth, the group moved a little farther in the river for immersion ritual. The water current was strong there due to which the group lost their balance and was washed away, said an eyewitness.
The police and fire department were informed and subsequently a rescue operation was launched with the help of professional divers.
Seven persons were rescued by the fire department out of the 12 who were drowning. Two bodies were fished out of the river.
A similar incident was reported at Kudeshia Ghat near Kashmere Gate. According to an official of Boat Club, around three persons drowned in river, out of whom one was rescued.
