The rescuer refused to help the drowning official for free.
The incident occurred in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Regional Health Department Director Adityavardhan Singh went with friends to the Ganga River, Deccan Herald reports.
He decided to take a photo in the water, but he stumbled and was caught by a strong current. The official's friends called a rescue diver to help.
But the man said he would save Singh if they paid him 10,000 rupees (RUB 10,500).
They didn't have any cash, so they transferred the funds online. But it took time. By then, Singh had disappeared underwater.
The diver dived after him when the money arrived in the account, but did not find the official.
The friends of the deceased accused the rescuer of greed, which led to the drowning of their comrade.
