The search operation is ongoing for the two Bhavani Deeksha devotees who reportedly drowned in the river Godavari at Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram city on September 27. The incident occurred while the duo was taking a holy dip as part of their daily ritual. According to Assistant District Fire Officer P. Srinivas, the missing devotees have been identified as Gobbula Bapiraju, 28, from Pentapalli village, Gokavaram mandal and Rayudu Veerababu (25), of Sriramapuram village, Rajanagaram mandal in East Godavari district. Mr. Srinivas said: “The search operation is challenging due to the heavy inflows into the river Godavari. We had to halt the search during the night.” Despite continued efforts, the two persons remain untraced on Sunday, according to the Rajamahendravaram city police.Published - September 28, 2025 09:00 pm IST