A 14-year-old boy drowned in the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar on Saturday evening. The victim, identified as Ashutosh Swain, went to the river with his friends to catch fish but never returned home.
His family began searching for him after nightfall and later filed a missing complaint at Mancheswar police station. Fire Services personnel launched an extensive search operation and recovered Ashutosh’s body from the river around 2 a.m.
Ashutosh was the only son of journalist Lincoln Swain. His sudden death shattered the family and left the community in grief. Locals expressed sorrow over the heartbreaking incident and urged caution near the riverbanks.
Police initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the drowning. Officers visited the site and collected preliminary evidence. The tragic event highlighted the dangers of venturing into deep waters without safety measures.
Authorities reminded residents to avoid risky activities near rivers, especially during summer when water levels fluctuate. The Kuakhai River has witnessed several drowning incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter safety enforcement.
