A shocking incident has occurred in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, where a woman, burdened by debt, took an extreme step that has left the local community in disbelief. In a desperate attempt to escape her financial troubles, the woman jumped into the Boodi Gandak River with her two young children. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, around 3 pm, under the Harpur Pilkhi Bridge in the Peer police station area. While the woman was rescued by local fishermen, her two sons, eight-year-old Abhiraj and six-year-old Sachin Mehta, were swept away by the fast-flowing river water. Despite extensive efforts by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the children are still missing, and the search operation continues.
The Debt-Stricken Woman and Her Struggles
The woman, identified as Neelam Devi, is the wife of Harishchandra Mehta, a resident of Simra Panchayat, Ward 10. Neelam had been struggling to repay loans that amounted to nearly two lakh rupees, which she had taken from three women’s self-help groups. She was facing immense pressure due to her inability to clear the debt. Her husband’s income was insufficient to meet the family’s needs, adding to the growing financial strain. The burden of the loan was making her mental state more fragile, and with no way out, she resorted to a drastic decision.
Neelam Devi told the police that her husband had five brothers, and they had been involved in a long-standing land dispute with their relatives. She explained that the relatives were attempting to seize their share of the land, further compounding the family’s financial troubles. Despite the struggles, Neelam felt trapped with no way to escape the mounting pressures. This financial hardship, combined with the ongoing family disputes, pushed her to make the fateful decision to jump into the river with her children.
The Incident and Rescue Efforts
On the afternoon of September 24, Neelam Devi took her two young sons to the Harpur Pilkhi Bridge and, in a moment of despair, jumped into the river. Witnesses quickly alerted local fishermen, who rushed to her aid and managed to pull Neelam out of the fast-moving waters. However, despite the immediate rescue efforts, her two sons were not so fortunate. The swift current carried the children away, and despite an extensive search operation by the SDRF, they have not been found yet.
The search operation, initiated by the local police and rescue teams, continued throughout the day, but by evening, it was called off as the children had not been located. On Thursday morning, the SDRF team resumed the search, but hopes of finding the children alive had already diminished. The situation has left the family and local authorities in deep distress, as the whereabouts of the children remain unknown.
Impact on the Family and Community
Neelam Devi’s actions have stunned the local community, and her husband Harishchandra Mehta is said to be in a state of profound shock and grief. Neelam herself has been inconsolable, repeatedly crying for her children, whom she fears may have perished in the river. The emotional toll on her is evident as she recalls her children’s faces and the pain of losing them. The woman is currently in police custody, where she remains under supervision. Local authorities have assured the family that they will provide all necessary assistance to support them during this difficult time.
According to the Circle Officer, Ankur Rai, the search efforts will continue until the children are found. The administration is committed to offering full support to the affected family. The Peer police station’s officer-in-charge, Rajnikant, confirmed that the case involving the group loans is under investigation. The police are looking into the circumstances that led to Neelam Devi’s extreme actions. This tragic event has brought attention to the dire financial struggles faced by many in rural Bihar, particularly women who are burdened with unmanageable debts.
Financial Troubles and Loan Pressure
Neelam Devi’s financial problems were exacerbated by the loans she had taken from three women’s self-help groups. The total debt of nearly two lakh rupees was a significant burden on her and her family. With her husband’s income not being sufficient to cover daily expenses and loan repayments, Neelam found herself in an increasingly hopeless situation. She had no way to repay the loans and was pressured to find a solution that seemed impossible under her circumstances.
Many people in rural Bihar, particularly women, rely on loans from self-help groups to meet financial needs. While these groups provide essential financial support, the repayment terms and the accumulating interest can become overwhelming for borrowers. In Neelam’s case, the mounting debt, combined with family disputes and limited resources, led to her making a tragic decision.
Police Investigation and Family’s Emotional Turmoil
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on both the debt-related issues and the family dispute that may have contributed to the tragedy. It remains to be seen whether any negligence or exploitation by the women’s self-help groups played a role in pushing Neelam to such extremes. Authorities are also exploring whether Neelam’s mental state was a contributing factor in her decision to take such a drastic step.
For now, the primary concern is the whereabouts of her two sons. Despite the ongoing search efforts, the chances of finding them alive are slim, as the river’s currents are notoriously strong. The emotional impact on Neelam and her family is devastating, and the community remains in shock over the tragic events.
The Growing Issue of Rural Debt and Financial Stress
This incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of rural debt and the financial stress that many families face in Bihar and other rural areas. While self-help groups can offer crucial support, they can also place an overwhelming burden on vulnerable individuals who are already struggling with limited resources. The absence of sufficient financial education and access to better financial options can lead people, particularly women, to take desperate measures when faced with insurmountable debt.
The state government and local authorities must recognize the magnitude of financial distress that rural families endure and take steps to address the root causes of this issue. It is crucial to provide better financial support systems, debt relief programs, and counseling services to help individuals in such distress. The emotional toll and the risks associated with unmanageable loans should be addressed with urgency to prevent further tragedies like this one.
The incident in Muzaffarpur has shed light on the harsh realities faced by many rural families in Bihar, particularly women who are caught in the cycle of debt. Neelam Devi’s actions, driven by financial strain and personal difficulties, have left a lasting impact on her family and the community. While the search for her children continues, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater support and intervention for families facing crippling debts. It is crucial for local authorities and social organizations to take proactive steps to alleviate financial pressures and prevent further such incidents in the future.
