An 18-year-old youth who went missing while bathing at Chandrabhaga Beach in Puri was found dead on Saturday morning.
The deceased, identified as Shubhendu Pradhan from Jajpur district, had ventured into the sea near a hotel beachfront when a strong wave swept him away. Despite immediate search efforts by locals and authorities, he remained untraced on the day of the incident. His body was recovered from Sector 4 of Puri district the following morning.
In another shocking incident, a youth was murdered in the Penthakata area under the Penthakata Marine Police Station in Puri district. The victim, identified as Tapu Nayak of Badasankha in Baliupara slum, had reportedly gone to meet a female acquaintance on Friday night. His body was discovered on Saturday morning under suspicious circumstances.
Police suspect that Nayak was attacked with a sharp weapon, leading to his death. On receiving information, personnel from Penthakata Marine Police Station reached the spot, recovered the body, and initiated a probe. Investigators are examining possible motives and questioning acquaintances to establish the sequence of events.
The twin tragedies have cast a pall of gloom over Puri. Families of both victims await justice and clarity as investigations continue.
