The search for 15-year-old Kunal Birua, who disappeared in the Sangam River, has concluded with the recovery of his body on Tuesday, four days after the incident. The tragic event unfolded in the Tantanagar police station jurisdiction of West Singhbhum. Kunal was reportedly with friends on a picnic and football outing by the river when he drowned in a deep section. A collaborative operation involving police, local villagers, and skilled divers finally brought his body ashore.
The community is in mourning, and Kunal’s family is experiencing immense grief. Senior officials, including SDO Sandeep Anurag Topno from Chaibasa Sadar and DSP Bahaman Tuti, visited the location. They obtained detailed accounts of the incident and also visited the Nagar police station to ensure a smooth resolution for the 24 youths who were present and questioned.
Kunal was a student at the well-regarded Saint Xavier’s School in Chaibasa. Accounts from the scene suggest that the fatal accident occurred when a football went into the river. Kunal’s effort to retrieve the ball led him into dangerous waters. The body has been sent for a post-mortem to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital. An investigation into the drowning is underway. Authorities are actively engaged with the victim’s family, offering comfort and support during this difficult time.