— Attachment Content: Assam_CM_visits_family_of_boy_who_died_saving_pet_gives_financial_aid.docx — Assam CM visits family of 13-year-old boy who died saving pet during flood, gives financial aidDIBRUGARH, AUG 5: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday visited the family of 13-year-old Hridip Panikar at Bamun Pukhuri in Nazira, Nazira and consoled them after the boy lost his life trying to rescue his pet puppy during the recent floods. Hridip, a Class VII student, had become a symbol of courage and compassion after the July 27 incident that stunned the district.Sarma spoke with Hridip’s grieving parents, Bharati and Dipak Panikar and held the surviving pup, Barun in his arms. “My heart is truly heavy at the moment of holding the Hridip’s beloved dog,” the chief minister said, visibly moved. He handed the family a cheque of Rs 5 lakh as immediate assistance from the state government and assured them of continued support.“No amount of money can replace the loss of your son,” Sarma told the grieving parents, “but the government will stand by you in this hour of sorrow.” He also promised to coordinate with local administration to ensure any further rehabilitation needs of the Panikar family are met.The boy’s death drew widespread attention across Assam and beyond after visuals circulated on social media showing Hridip’s parents sitting beside their son’s body with the puppy nearby. According to eyewitness, Hridip jumped into the floodwaters when Barun was swept away. He succeeded in saving the pup but was overpowered by the strong current and could not be rescued in time. Rescue teams later recovered his body.Hridip was the only child of the Panikars and the family had already lost their home and belongings to the floods, compounding their grief.(Ends)
