A tragic incident unfolded in Cuttack on Sunday morning after two minor boys went missing while bathing in the Kathajodi River near Khannagar.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m., prompting immediate rescue efforts by local authorities.
The Incident
According to reports, the boys, residents of the Bhagatpur area, had gone to the river after attending a kirtan. They later started playing cricket nearby. When the ball accidentally rolled into the water, one of the boys entered the river to retrieve it and began struggling. The other rushed in to help but also got trapped in the sand and was swept away by the current.
Locals who witnessed the event quickly alerted the police and Fire Department.
Rescue Efforts in Progress
Two teams from the Odisha Fire Services and local police reached the spot and launched an intensive search and rescue operation. The teams used boats and scuba divers to search the area, but as of the latest update, the boys remain missing.
Authorities said all possible efforts are being made to trace the missing children, and the operation will continue until the search is complete.
Eyewitness Account
A resident from Bhagatpur recounted the incident:
“The boys went to the river after the kirtan. When their cricket ball fell into the water, one boy went to get it and started calling for help. The other tried to save him, but both disappeared into the river.”
Safety Concerns
The incident has once again raised concerns among locals about the lack of safety measures along riverbanks frequently used by children and youths for bathing and recreation. Residents have urged authorities to install warning signs and ensure regular patrols to prevent similar accidents in the future.
