3 NIT students drown in waterfall in Assam

Three students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Silchar, drowned at the Bulchol (Hmunthajao) waterfall in Assam’s Dima Hasao district during an outing on Saturday, officials confirmed. The remote and rocky location, known for its steep slopes and unpredictable water flow during the post-monsoon period, made the rescue operation extremely challenging.

According to district officials, a group of seven students had gone to the waterfall when the incident occurred. One student reportedly slipped into the water, and the other two lost balance while trying to help. Local rescue teams, joined by police and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), launched an immediate search operation, but it was slowed down due to poor connectivity and difficult terrain.

The students who died were identified as Sauhard Rai (20) and Sarbavartika Singh (20) from Uttar Pradesh, and Radhika (19) from Bihar. All three bodies were retrieved, one on Saturday evening and the remaining two on Sunday morning, and were declared dead by medical teams after being brought to healthcare facilities.

NIT Silchar’s administration confirmed the students’ identities and said a faculty team had been sent to coordinate with the district authorities. A formal internal note of condolence is expected to be issued. Meanwhile, the Dima Hasao district authorities have advised the public to remain cautious while visiting waterfalls, which are particularly hazardous during the post-rain season.

No statement has yet been released regarding whether a safety review or formal inquiry will be initiated at the institute level. Further details from both the district administration and NIT are awaited.