Hyderabad doctor goes missing after jumping into the Tungabhadra River. | (Photo Courtesy: X)
Koppal: Ananya Rao, a 26-year-old Hyderabad-based doctor, has gone missing after she jumped into the Tungabhadra River in Sanpur on Wednesday, February 19.
As per reports, Rao, who was on vacation with her friends, went missing at around 8:30 AM, after intense currents swept her away. Amid search operation conducted by rural police and the dire department, all water activities including coracle rides and swimming have been halted in the river.
A video of the incident, where Rao can be seen jumping into the river from a rock, went viral on social media. Have a look at it here:
According to reports, Rao had arrived at a guest house in Sanapur village with her friends Satvik and Ashita for a weekend retreat. The trio decided to go for a swim in the river at around 8:30 AM, after which Rao went missing.
As per The Indian Express, a top district official reported that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to assist in the search operation. Additionally, local steel plants and factories have been enlisted to supply equipment, such as underwater cameras for aid.
Local tour operators reported that the organising staff had advised Rao against jumping into the river due to stronger water flow caused by the dam’s release.
Confirming the incident, a tour operator from Sanpur told the publication, “Ananya insisted on jumping without a life jacket, stating that she had done similar jumps before. The rock she jumped from is 20 feet high, and the water flow was strong. The organizers requested her to wear a life jacket, and while the staff was collecting the gear, she jumped. So far, there has been no trace of her.”
A district official stated that efforts are underway to locate her and that authorities are also investigating any lapses at the tourist spot. They emphasized that clear safety guidelines are in place for tourists entering the water.
