Family seeks Indian army's help after M'sian doctor swept away by river

The family of a Malaysian doctor who was swept away when trying to rescue his father in the Alaknada River in Uttarakhand, India on Tuesday (Sept 24) are appealing for the Indian army’s assistance in the search and rescue mission.

Dr Balraj Sethi, 40, had reportedly jumped into the river to help his father, Suresh Chandra when the latter was swept away by strong currents while performing a religious ritual in the river.

Suresh was rescued by labourers in the area 200m from where he was performing the ritual, but his son was still missing.

Local police have mounted a search and rescue but the family hope the Indian army can lend their expertise to the mission.

“We understand the local authorities and police are doing their best with the search.

“But we request more organisations, authorities such as the Indian Army which has access to higher advanced equipment (drones, sonar or whatever resource available) to carry on the search with a wider range, and compassionate individuals - to join the search for Sethi,” the family said in a statement.

It is learnt that the search and rescue mission is facing difficulties due to weather conditions.

“Let us remain hopeful. Every moment counts, and together, we can make a significant impact," they said.

Local police said the family were in India on a 10-day pilgrimage, and was completing the pilgrimage on the day of the incident, the Times of India reported.

Rights group calls for laws to criminalise enforced disappearance

LETTER | Missing persons crisis: Unsolved cases and govt inaction

Three held to assist in probe on missing girl

Declassified task force report shows cops negligent in Amri case

No criminal element found in boy's drowning in PJ - police