Dhenkikote: A 22-year-old youth was reported missing Monday after being swept away at the Gundichaghagi waterfall, a popular tourist spot in Ghatagaon block of Keonjhar district.
The missing youth has been identified as Debesh Kumar Behera of Bartana village under Soro police limits in Balasore district. Fire service personnel have been conducting search operations, but no trace of him has been found.
According to reports, Debesh had come with his sister and brother-in-law to visit the Ghatagaon Maa Tarini shrine. After the morning darshan, the family went to the nearby waterfall for sightseeing. While attempting to cross from one side of the stream to the other after taking selfies, Debesh slipped on a rock and fell into the strong current.
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Despite desperate attempts by his sister, brother-in-law and other onlookers to rescue him, they failed.
Fire officials were alerted, and around noon, Officer Purnachandra Panda arrived with a team to launch a search. However, they returned unsuccessful.
Officials said heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system has intensified the current at the waterfall, hampering rescue efforts. The fire department said the search operation is continuing.
PNN
