Andhra Pradesh: Constable rescues two before drowning in flood waters

Team Udayavani, Nov 21, 2021, 4:21 PM IST

Image Source: Twitter

Nellore: A constable from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) tragically met a watery grave after his life jacket was separated during a rescue operation at a flooded area at Damaramadugu village in Buchireddypalem Mandal on Saturday.

The rescuer turned victim was identified as Kella Srinivasa Rao (30).

As per reports, at around 7.30 AM on Saturday, an SDRF rescue team deployed received a call for saving two persons stranded by the floods at Damaramadugu. The SDRF team, which included Kella Srinivasa Rao (30), rushed to the village in a boat and brought the father-son duo perched on the electric pole onto the rescue boat.

#APPolice constable sacrifices his life in the service of people:
Kella Srinivasa Rao, PC 5th Bn #SDRF of #Vizianagaram drowned&succumbed today at 8.30 am at Damaramadugu(V), Buchhireddy Palem(M), #Nellore District in a rescue operation to save the villagers stranded in floods. pic.twitter.com/n17wlBsENE

— Andhra Pradesh Police (@APPOLICE100) November 20, 2021

However, Srinivasa Rao’s life jacket came off as he was getting into the boat, and he was washed away by the rapid water. His teammates were unable to save him, the New Indian Express reported.

Kella Srinivasa Rao, who was born in Kandisa village in the Regidi Amadalavalasa mandal of the Srikakulam district, is survived by his wife Suneetha and their 18-month-old son Mokshagna, India Today reported.

Andhra Pradesh police expressed their grief at losing a colleague to the floods. “#APPolice salutes & remembers forever his ultimate sacrifice in line of duty in saving the peoples lives who were stranded in flood waters,” it tweeted.

DGP Gautam Sawang, IPS expressed grief and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and said “APPolice will support the family always and remembers his supreme sacrifice while discharging duties in the service of the public.”