Indian man jumps into Yamuna river for Rs500 bet, swept away

A 19-year-old man is feared dead after jumping into the swollen Yamuna River in India's Uttar Pradesh for a bet of 500 rupees.

The teenager, identified as Mohammad Junaid, reportedly accepted a challenge from friends and climbed onto the railing of a bridge before diving into the fast-flowing river.

Eyewitnesses said the water was raging just a few feet below. A mobile phone video, which has since gone viral, shows Junaid in a white vest and blue jeans plunging into the torrent and resurfacing seconds later. He attempted to swim towards the bank, but the strong current dragged him downstream.

Witnesses said he appeared to disappear beneath the water shortly after.

Risking life for just ₹500! 😨

In a shocking incident from Baghpat, a man named Junaid jumped into the swollen Yamuna River after taking up a ₹500 dare to cross it.#Baghpat #Yamuna #Tragedy #ViralNews #RiskingLife #SadNews pic.twitter.com/XISPUzcr7E

— theindia.360🇮🇳 (@theindiaa360) September 4, 2025

Rescue teams, including police, divers and the State Disaster Response Force, have been searching for him since the incident, but operations have been hampered by rising water levels due to ongoing monsoon rains.

The police said Junaid and his friends had been gathered by the river when the dare was made. They confirmed that a case would be registered against those who encouraged him and filmed the incident.

“This kind of negligence will not be tolerated,” an official told TV9, warning of serious consequences for provoking such dangerous acts.

Locals in Niwada village expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, urging authorities to tighten safety and surveillance measures along the Yamuna’s banks.

Residents said the case highlights the dangers of reckless stunts performed for peer pressure or social media attention, warning that such behaviour often leads to fatal consequences.