Heartbreak on the Bridge: Couple Jumps into Godavari River, Leaves 3-Year-Old Alone

WEST GODAVARI, ANDHRA PRADESH – A harrowing scene unfolded on a bridge in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district late Thursday night, as a young couple allegedly took their own lives by jumping into the swollen Godavari River, leaving their three-year-old son abandoned in the dark.

The victims have been identified as 29-year-old Dodda Sai and his 28-year-old wife, Shireesha, both residents of Velpuru village.

According to local law enforcement, the couple arrived at the bridge on a scooter at approximately 10:00 PM, accompanied by their young child. In a devastating turn of events, they reportedly left the toddler alone on the parked vehicle before plunging into the rushing waters below.

The scene was discovered shortly after when passersby heard the faint, desperate cries of the young boy calling out, “Amma… Nanna” (Mother… Father). Upon investigating the source of the distress, locals found the child shivering and alone in the cold night air. The realization that his parents were missing sparked a frantic search of the immediate area, which eventually led to the discovery of the couple’s abandoned scooter.

Local authorities arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted, taking the boy into their protection and securing the vehicle. The toddler has since been handed over to his relatives.

Meanwhile, a large-scale search operation involving police teams, professional swimmers, and boat crews was immediately launched to locate the missing couple. As of the time of reporting, the search remains ongoing, with officials working under difficult conditions due to the high water levels of the river.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the tragedy may be rooted in severe financial hardship. Friends and neighbors indicated that Dodda Sai, who previously worked as a driver and had spent time working in the Gulf, had been struggling with mounting debts. Investigators are currently looking into reports that the couple had recently reached a breaking point, potentially even considering the sale of their home to settle their liabilities.

While the police have confirmed these financial struggles, they cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages.

“We have registered a case and are thoroughly examining all circumstances that led up to this incident,” a police spokesperson stated. “While debt is a primary line of inquiry, we have not officially concluded it as the sole catalyst for their actions. We are gathering evidence and speaking with family members to understand the complete picture.”

As the village of Velpuru reels from the shock of the news, the community’s focus remains on the well-being of the young boy who has been left orphaned by the tragedy.