In a disturbing incident that has sparked concern among locals, the body of an unidentified man was recovered from the sacred Narendra Pond in Puri on Monday.
Fire service personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about a body floating in the pond and successfully retrieved it.
The deceased is estimated to be around 50 years old. His body has been sent to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital for a postmortem. As of now, the man’s identity, permanent address, and the exact cause of death remain unknown.
Kumbharpada Police promptly reached the site and have initiated a thorough investigation. Officers are working on multiple angles to establish the victim’s identity and determine whether the death was accidental, suicidal, or suspicious. Police sources said more clarity is expected once the postmortem report arrives.
The incident has triggered fresh questions about the safety of Narendra Pond, a historically and religiously significant water body visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Local residents have alleged that inadequate lighting around the pond, especially during night hours, increases the risk of accidents and mishaps.
Many recalled that similar incidents had occurred at the same location in the past. Residents are now demanding immediate installation of better lighting, enhanced security measures, and regular patrolling to prevent such tragedies.
Police have assured that the investigation is being taken seriously and expressed hope that the deceased’s identity will be established soon.
