Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Assam CM Consoles Family of Boy Who Died Saving Dog
Once upon a time, there was a 13-year-old boy named Ridip Panika who lived in a village in Assam, a place where rivers often overflow.
During a big flood, his pet dog got trapped in the fast-moving water.
Ridip loved his dog so much that he jumped into the water to save it.
He managed to push his dog to safety, but the water was too strong for him.
Sadly, Ridip drowned and passed away.
The leader of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, visited Ridip's family to comfort them.
He gave them money to help and hugged Ridip's crying mother.
He also played with the dog that Ridip had saved.
People remember Ridip as a very brave boy who loved animals.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met the family of 13-year-old Ridip Panika in Nazira and offered condolences after the boy drowned saving his pet dog.
Panika, a seventh-grade student from Bamun Pukhuri village in Upper Assam, jumped into flood currents on July 19 to rescue his dog, reported as Barun or Varun, which was trapped in a vortex.
The boy managed to save his dog but could not escape the current and drowned; reports vary on his name spelling — Ridip, Rideep and Hridip.
Sarma handed the family a cheque of Rs 5 lakh as financial aid and petted the dog during the emotional meeting, video of which spread on social media.
The state's flood toll rose to 95 after six more deaths, with 1.6 lakh people affected across 14 districts, an official bulletin said.
- Who
- 13-year-old Ridip Panika (also spelled Rideep/Hridip), a seventh-grade student, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
- What
- The boy drowned in floodwaters after saving his pet dog; the Chief Minister consoled his family and gave Rs 5 lakh in financial aid
- When
- The rescue attempt occurred on July 19; the CM's visit and updated flood toll were reported on a Wednesday
- Where
- Bamun Pukhuri village, Nazira, Upper Assam
- Why
- He jumped into the raging current to rescue his pet dog Barun, who was trapped in a vortex, putting the dog's safety before his own
- Victim
- Ridip Panika, 13, seventh-grade student (name also spelled Rideep/Hridip)
- Location
- Bamun Pukhuri village, Nazira, Upper Assam
- Incident date
- July 19
- Pet dog
- Barun (also spelled Varun); called 'jaan' by the boy
- Financial aid
- Rs 5 lakh cheque from the Chief Minister
- Flood death toll
- 95
- People affected
- 1.6 lakh across 14 districts