KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian doctor has gone missing after being swept away by the fast-flowing currents of the Alaknanda River in the Himalayas while attempting to rescue his father.
The incident occurred during their pilgrimage to the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand, India, as part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
According to a report by the Times of India on September 24, Dr Balraj Sethi, 40, jumped into the river when his 67-year-old father slipped and fell while performing a ritual near the temple.
Sub-inspector Navneet Bhandari of the Badrinath police station told the Times of India that Dr Balraj’s father was rescued approximately 200 metres downstream from the site of the incident.
However, search and rescue operations for the doctor have so far been unsuccessful.
On social media, calls have intensified for both Indian and Malaysian authorities to enhance rescue efforts. Facebook user Andrew Han urged the Indian Army to deploy advanced technology to aid the search.
“While we deeply appreciate the efforts of the local authorities in India, we humbly request additional organisations and authorities, such as the Indian Army, to join the search.
“With their access to advanced equipment like drones, sonar, and other available resources, they can help expand the search range and increase the chances of finding Balraj Sethi,” Facebook user Andrew Han posted today.
The doctor’s family has declined to comment on the situation.
It is understood that the family has notified the Malaysian High Commission in India. Scoop is awaiting confirmation from Wisma Putra regarding further actions. – September 27, 2024