Former India kabaddi captain and Arjuna Awardee Deepak Hooda had a narrow escape on Wednesday when he was swept away by strong currents while bathing in the River Ganga in Haridwar. The alarming incident unfolded when Hooda lost his balance and was quickly pulled into the rapid flow of the river.
Fortunately, officers from the 40th Battalion of the Uttarakhand Police were nearby and acted with remarkable urgency. Spotting Hooda struggling in the fast-moving water, the team launched a rapid rescue operation. Without hesitation, personnel from the battalion leapt into action, jumping from their boat into the river to reach the athlete, even as the current dragged the boat off course.
Despite the challenging conditions, the rescue team managed to haul Hooda onto the boat and bring him safely back to shore. The Uttarakhand Police later posted a video of the dramatic rescue on their official X (formerly Twitter) account. The video, which highlights the bravery and quick thinking of the officers, quickly went viral and was met with praise across social media platforms.
Deepak Hooda, visibly moved by the experience, expressed deep gratitude to the officers who saved him. He acknowledged their heroic efforts in what could have turned into a tragedy and sincerely thanked the entire rescue team for their timely intervention.
The incident not only underscored the unpredictable nature of river currents during monsoon season but also highlighted the courage and preparedness of Uttarakhand’s police force. Their swift action ensured the safety of one of India’s celebrated athletes and prevented a potential disaster.
