Search Intensifies for Two Cousins Swept Away in Andhra Canal

The waters of the newly-inaugurated Veligonda Project feeder canal turned treacherous on Saturday, swallowing two young cousins who stepped in merely to wash their legs. Now, hope hangs by a thread as search teams brace for another day of grim, determined effort.

A Routine Moment Turns Perilous

It was just past noon on Saturday when the two cousins, Raj Kumar and Vinay Kumar, approached the canal. What began as a simple act—washing their legs in the water—ended in tragedy within moments. The canal’s depth proved deceptive, and both were swept away by the current.

Local residents raised the alarm an hour later. Police and State Disaster Response Force teams rushed to the scene, launching a search that would stretch across the day and into the next.

Rescue Efforts Face Steep Challenges

Search operations have been complicated by the canal’s rapid flow and the uneven terrain of Nallamala Sagar, where the water empties. SP V. Harshavardhan Raju did not mince words about the difficulty. “The rescue operation has been a very tough task,” he acknowledged.

Sixteen expert divers combed the area until nightfall Sunday, but poor visibility forced a pause. They will return at first light Monday, determined yet realistic about the odds.

“As water flows rapidly in the feeder canal, no one should step into the water. People must remain vigilant.”
— Nimmala Ramanaidu, Minister for Water Resources

A Warning Amid Rising Concerns

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu expressed shock at the incident and ordered intensified search efforts. His warning echoed a broader concern: just days earlier, another vehicle was nearly swept away in the same district, underscoring the area’s hidden dangers.

For now, all attention remains on finding Raj Kumar and Vinay Kumar. As dawn breaks Monday, rescue teams will once again take to the water, holding onto hope while facing sobering realities.