Rescue teams recovered the bodies of two college students swept away by strong currents in the Mahanadi River near Satabatia under the Jagatpur area of Kataka district.
The victims, identified as Amlan Nayak (22) and Arjit Sahoo (20), drowned on Sunday while bathing with friends.
Reports said four students entered the river when strong currents pulled them in. Pratyush Swain managed to swim to safety and raised the alarm, while three others were carried away. Rescue teams from Jagatpur police station and fire services launched a massive operation.
Fire services personnel recovered Amlan’s body around 11:30 pm on Sunday. ODRAF teams retrieved Arjit’s body on Monday morning. Another student, Mukti Prasad Dash (23), was rescued late Sunday night and shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that despite continuous overnight efforts, the two students remained missing until Monday morning. The incident highlighted the dangers of bathing in the Mahanadi River, where strong currents often lead to accidents.
