MP engineer falls into Ganga river from Rishikesh bridge:Missing for 4 days; family appeals to CM Yadav for help amid ongoing search

Hemant Soni, a software engineer from Prithvipur town in Niwari district, Madhya Pradesh, has been missing for four days in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. On the night of October 16, he fell into the Ganga river from an under-construction bridge. His family and local MLA are now appealing to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav for help in the search. Family plea to Chief Minister Hemant’s uncle, Bharat Soni, released a video addressing the Chief Minister. He said, “Chief Minister Sir, please help me. My nephew went to Rishikesh on the 16th. At night, he fell into the Ganga from the Bajrang Setu bridge. Four days have passed, but no trace has been found yet.” He added that while Diwali lamps are lit in every house, there is darkness in their home. “We want our nephew to return home safely. Whether the government conducts the search with a helicopter or the NDRF, we just want him to be found. He is the only light of our house.” Incident details Hemant had gone to Rishikesh with friends and cousins. His cousin Amit Soni said Hemant left Prithvipur on October 14 with his friend Akshay Seth. Amit joined them in Delhi on October 15. After staying a day in Haridwar, the three reached Rishikesh on the evening of October 16. Around 9 PM, they went to the Bajrang Setu bridge near Lakshman Jhula. The bridge was under construction and had no security guard. While walking, Hemant received a call. He walked a little further while talking, and then a sudden sound of falling was heard. Search operations underway The river’s current is very strong. The SDERF team is searching by boat and rope. Night-time searches were not possible, so divers were deployed in the morning. Amit said he immediately informed the police. About 20 minutes later, the SI arrived, but the strong current and cold prevented night-time searches. On October 17 morning, SDERF divers could not enter the river due to strong currents. The next day, searching was done for eight kilometres using a drone, but no success was found. Family and community concern Hemant is the only brother among three sisters. After their father passed away, the entire family lives together. He was the family’s main support. Neighbours said that amidst Diwali celebrations, the whole neighbourhood is now praying for his safe return. His family, friends, and community continue to hope for his safety.