Keonjhar: In a tragic incident, a 26-year-old man went missing Sunday after being swept away by strong currents at Gundichaghagi Waterfall near Banachakulia village, under Ghatagaon police limits in Keonjhar district.
The missing individual was identified as Satyaprakash Mahanta, a resident of Badashiadimal village under Harichandanpur police limits. He worked as an ambulance driver in Paradip.
According to sources, Mahanta had visited the popular waterfall with friends earlier in the day. While bathing in the main tank, he reportedly slipped and was swept away by the swirling waters. Heavy rainfall in recent days has increased the water flow, contributing to the dangerous conditions.
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Despite immediate efforts by locals and a search operation launched by police and fire services personnel, Mahanta remained untraceable as of the latest reports. Rescue operations continued until evening but were hindered by persistent rain.
This is the second such incident reported at Gundichaghagi Waterfall within a month.
A tourist from the Soro area of Balasore district also went missing after being swept away while bathing September 8. His body has yet to be recovered.
The repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about tourist safety at the site. Locals expressed frustration over the lack of preventive measures despite multiple mishaps. They noted that the waterfall’s fast-fl owing current, especially after rain, poses a continuous danger to visitors.
“The search operation is underway, but the youth is yet to be traced,” said Ghatagaon IIC Subhranta Kumar Jena.
Locals have urged the administration to install warning signage, deploy safety personnel, and restrict access during high-risk weather conditions to prevent further tragedies.
PNN
