Heroic Rescue Turns Tragic: Youth Drowns in Mahanadi, Uncle Missing
Jagatsinghpur — A solemn funeral ritual turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on Sunday when a 25-year-old youth drowned in the Mahanadi River, and his uncle went missing while attempting a rescue.
The incident occurred at the Tirtol ghat, where Kahna Jena of Nagpura village was performing the Dashakarma ritual. Eyewitnesses say Kahna was swept away by strong currents during ritual bathing.
In a desperate attempt to save him, his uncle, Sampad Kumar Jena (55), leapt into the river but vanished beneath the turbulent waters.
Despite frantic efforts by locals, only Kahna’s body was recovered after hours of searching. He was declared dead at Manijanga Community Health Centre.
Sampad remains missing as ODRAF and fire brigade teams continue search operations under challenging conditions.
Tirtol police are investigating the incident and coordinating rescue efforts. The community remains in shock, mourning the loss and praying for Sampad’s safe return.
