In a dramatic turn of events, a woman from Ratagarh village under Banki police limits, who was believed to have drowned in the Mahanadi river, was found alive in Puri after allegedly staging her disappearance to elope with her boyfriend.
The incident unfolded during the Khudurukuni idol immersion on Monday morning, when puja materials and personal belongings were discovered on the riverbank. Locals feared the woman had been swept away by strong currents, prompting a three-day search operation by fire personnel.
However, investigations revealed that the woman had crossed the river and fled with her partner. She was later traced to Chudanga Sahi in Puri town, where the couple was staying in a lodge. Puri Town police detained both individuals on Tuesday night.
Banki IIC Dillip Kumar Mardaraj Bhuyan confirmed the development, stating, “The woman’s husband informed us that she was at Puri Town police station. We have sent a team to bring her back. Further details will emerge after her return”.
The case has sparked widespread discussion across the region, raising questions about personal agency, social pressures, and the role of law enforcement in such matters.
