A tragic incident unfolded in the Mahanadi River near Paradip on Sunday morning when a fisherman drowned while pulling nets.
The victim, identified as Mahendra Sethi of Paradipgad village, entered the river with another person near Chaumuhani to fish. Suddenly, he slipped underwater and went missing.
Locals immediately raised an alarm, and the Kujang fire brigade rushed to the spot. Rescue teams began a search operation in the river. After hours of effort, they recovered the body of Mahendra, confirming the fatal accident.
Witnesses explained that Mahendra and his companion had been fishing in the river when the mishap occurred. The companion managed to escape unharmed, but Mahendra could not be saved. The incident shocked the community, leaving villagers in grief.
Authorities urged residents to exercise caution while fishing in the river, especially during the early hours when visibility is low. The tragedy highlights the risks faced by fishermen who depend on the river for their livelihood.
