A festive morning turned tragic in Odisha’s Cuttack district when a woman, identified as Pinky Swain, reportedly drowned while bathing in the Mahanadi river during idol immersion rituals for Khudurukuni Osa.
The incident occurred at Ratagada ghat in Banki’s Damapada area early Monday.
Pinky, along with several other women, had gathered at the riverbank to perform the annual ritual observed by unmarried girls and women for the well-being of their brothers and families. After completing the idol immersion, the group began bathing in the river when Pinky suddenly slipped and was swept away by strong currents.
Despite immediate efforts by locals and her family to locate her, she remained untraceable. Fire services arrived on the scene but were criticized by villagers for conducting only surface-level searches. Locals demanded skilled divers be deployed, citing the river’s elevated water level due to recent heavy rainfall.
As search operations continue, a pall of gloom has descended on the village, with residents mourning the sudden loss during what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
