Dr. Balraj Sethi, Head of Medical Affairs at Novartis Malaysia, has been missing for four days after being swept away by strong currents in the Alaknanda River in northern India. Dr. Sethi had heroically jumped into the river to save his father, Suresh Chandra, during a family pilgrimage on Tuesday. While his father was rescued 200 meters downstream, efforts to locate Dr. Sethi remain unsuccessful despite an ongoing search and rescue operation by local authorities.

Kevin Sugumaran, a family friend, shared that the Malaysian High Commission has kept the family updated but emphasized the need for more proactive measures in the search.

According to reports from The Times of India, Dr. Sethi, 40, arrived in India on September 14 with his parents, son, and cousin for a 10-day pilgrimage. On the morning of the incident, the family had reached Badrinath Temple, where Suresh Chandra performed the ‘tarpan’ ritual by the river. Unfortunately, the elder Sethi was swept away by the river's strong currents, prompting Dr. Sethi to dive in to save him. Although local laborers managed to rescue Chandra, Dr. Sethi has not been found.

Dr. Sethi’s brother, Suraaj Sethi, has made a public appeal for help. He is requesting additional support from organizations with river rescue expertise and has urged the Indian Army, known for their advanced equipment such as drones and sonar, to assist in the search. Suraaj also asked for assistance from individuals with knowledge of the area or expertise in river rescues to contribute to the ongoing efforts.

“We are grateful for the ongoing search efforts by local authorities, but we are desperately seeking more support to ensure Dr. Sethi's safe return. His family, friends, and community are in urgent need of help,” Suraaj said in a statement.

Source / Image Credit : Malay Mail , Times Of India