Uttar Pradesh: A distressing event unfolded in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh when a 21-year-old man was swept away by the strong currents of the swollen Yamuna River on Wednesday afternoon. The individual, identified as Mohd Junaid, reportedly went missing after jumping into the river from a bridge, spurred by a Rs 500 wager made by his friends. The ongoing monsoon season has made the river particularly treacherous.

Junaid, who worked as a daily wage laborer, was on leave due to heavy rainfall in Niwada village. Despite extensive search operations conducted by the National Disaster Response Force and local police, he has yet to be found. Circle Officer Shreshthha stated that the search is ongoing, with all possible measures being taken to locate him.

Family members have claimed that Junaid was encouraged to take the plunge by his friends. His elder brother, Javed, mentioned, “They challenged him to swim across the rapidly flowing river for a cash prize of Rs 500 and a party. They even promised to jump in after him. He jumped in impulsively after being provoked. Initially, he managed to swim, but the powerful current soon overwhelmed him.”

Javed further alleged that Junaid's friends panicked and fled the scene instead of assisting him. Local residents attempted to help, but they were unable to reach him in time. The exact motivations behind Junaid's decision to jump remain unclear.

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