Mal Bazar: At least eight people drowned and many more are feared missing during the Durga idol immersion in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district when rain-fed Mal river washed away scores of revellers official said on Thursday.
The mishap happened at around 8.30 PM on Wednesday when a sudden flash flood in the Mal river swept away scores of unaware revellers who were busy immersing their Dura idols, Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Moumita Godara confirmed.
So far eight bodies were fished out since Wednesday night.
She said some unidentified number of people also went missing.
So far 15/16 people have been admitted with multiple wounds to the nearby hospital.
The mishap happened when a flash flood happened in the dark as the revellers were chanting "Durga Maiki Joy" and " Ashey Bochor abar Hobey" amid the beating of drums and blowing conch shells, an eyewitness told the rescuers.
He said many people were seen swimming to safety before eight of them were swept away by the deluge.
Sources said among the dead four were women and a minor.
Search operation, which was halted in the night, began this morning if any survivor was found, police added. (UNI)