'Drunken' man drowns while crossing overflowing Didram River

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: A 45-year-old man drowned when he tried to cross the overflowing Didram River in the afternoon on May 24, police said. According to eyewitness, the man was in an inebriated state.

The eyewitness also informed that the person, identified as Choritto N Sangma of Mendal, had consumed alcohol and jumped into the river telling others that he would cross the river and get more alcohol.

The eyewitnesses at the scene, including his brother-in-law tried to talk sense into him but he was unwilling to listen. He then jumped into the river and started swimming.

The witnesses added that he soon disappeared from their site and is strongly suspected to have been swept away by the strong currents of the river that is in spate following the rains.

"He was reported missing after that. A search was organized. However, till the filing of this report, his body could not be recovered," said Superintendent of Police, NGH, Abraham T Sangma.

Her hope is that the people will endeavour with the same vigour to save other rivers in the State.

There were multiple rivers in different districts that came under the assessment of the MPSCB during the lockdown period. Barring the two that ran through Shillong city, the rest showed no distressing aspects. 

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