The incident occurred under the Pachpedi police station limits, where continuous rainfall has significantly increased the water level and flow of the Shivnath River.

According to police, the missing fisherman has been identified as Sukhdev Kevat, a resident of Jondhara village in Bilaspur district. He earned his livelihood by catching and selling fish in nearby villages and local markets.

Officials said Sukhdev left his home around noon on Thursday to fish in the Shivnath River near his village. When he failed to catch enough fish, he reportedly attempted to cross the river towards the Lavan area in neighbouring Balodabazar district in search of better fishing spots.

During the crossing, he was caught in the river's strong current after the water level rose rapidly. Unable to withstand the force of the flowing water, he lost his balance and was swept away downstream.

Villagers who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the police. Local residents also began searching the riverbank before rescue teams arrived at the spot.

Considering that the incident occurred near the boundary of Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa and Balodabazar districts, police from all three districts coordinated the rescue operation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also deployed to conduct an intensive search in the river.

Rescue personnel continued searching until late evening using boats and other available equipment. However, the operation was hampered by the strong water current and poor visibility, preventing divers from carrying out an extensive underwater search.

Police officials said the search had to be suspended after nightfall due to safety concerns.

Pachpedi police station in-charge Kamla Pusam said the rescue operation would resume on Friday morning. SDRF personnel are expected to extend the search downstream in the direction of the river's flow, where the missing fisherman is believed to have been carried by the floodwaters.

Authorities have also appealed to residents living along the riverbanks to immediately inform the police if they notice any signs that could assist the search teams.

The incident comes amid rising river levels across several parts of Chhattisgarh following persistent rainfall. District administrations have repeatedly advised people to avoid entering rivers, canals and other water bodies during the monsoon because of sudden increases in water flow.

Local residents said Sukhdev was an experienced fisherman who had been working in the river for several years. However, they noted that the unusually strong current created dangerous conditions even for those familiar with the area.

Police said further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing search operation. The family of the missing fisherman has been informed, and officials are continuing efforts to locate him as rescue teams prepare to resume operations.