Man found dead in open drain

Bhadrak: A 52-year-old man was found dead in an open drain on the premises of the Salandi Canal Division office near the bypass here Tuesday morning. The deceased was identified as Akshaya Pradhan of Bypass Colony. Locals spotted his body in the drain and informed the police and fire services. The body was subsequently recovered in the presence of police and fire personnel. Police suspect that Pradhan may have fallen into the drain Monday while collecting greens from a morning tree on the office premises.

The drain, which has no cover, has reportedly remained open since its construction. Locals alleged that the lack of a cover may have contributed to the incident and raised questions over how Pradhan entered the office premises while a watchman was reportedly on duty. They also questioned why the drain had been left uncovered for a long period and demanded a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death. Police are investigating the incident.