In the pre-dawn darkness of Saturday, September 5, 2026, a family's desperate struggle with financial despair turned tragic in the waters of the Godavari River. Local fishermen, going about their nightly work near Chinchinada in West Godavari district, spotted something unimaginable—a family of four in the water, fighting against the current and their own heartbreaking decision.

Key facts

  • Family attempted suicide due to financial problems
  • Wife Padmini rescued by fishermen, hospitalized in stable condition
  • Husband Srinivas and children Eswar (16) and Nithyasri (12) missing
  • Massive search operation involving multiple agencies underway

A family pushed to the edge

Namuburu Srinivas, 45, and his wife Padmini, 42, had built their lives around simple trades—he sold milk in nearby villages while she ran a pan shop in their hometown of Tanuku. Their children, Eswar studying in polytechnic and 12-year-old Nithyasri in class IX, represented the future they worked so hard to secure. But financial pressures, relentless and crushing, apparently became too much to bear.

The rescue and ongoing search

The fishermen's quick action saved Padmini, who was rushed to Eluru Government Hospital where doctors report her condition is now out of danger. But the river claimed the others. As daylight broke, a massive search operation mobilized—fire department personnel, State Disaster Response Force teams, and local police combing the waters for any sign of Srinivas and the two children.

"The fisherfolk have rescued Ms. Padmini, who has been shifted to Eluru Government Hospital, where her health condition is out of danger," said Yelamanchili Sub-Inspector M. Raj Kumar.

Community in shock

This quiet agricultural region now grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that speaks to deeper struggles facing ordinary families across India. The police have registered a missing case while continuing their investigation into the circumstances that led to this desperate act. As search teams scan the river's surface, the community holds its breath—hoping for miracles while confronting the harsh realities that drive families to such extremes.

For those struggling with similar despair, assistance is available through the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, and SNEHA's suicide prevention helpline at 044 24640050.