A youth went missing after drowning in a water reservoir near Barangakachhar village under Bargaon police limits in Sundargarh district on Monday afternoon.
The missing youth, identified as Shiba Majhi of Reluabahali village, had gone to the reservoir with four friends for a bath.
Three of the youths sat on the embankment while Shiba entered the water. Around 4:30 PM, strong winds and rain swept through the area. During the sudden weather change, Shiba drowned in the reservoir. His friends immediately alerted local villagers, who informed the authorities.
The Bargaon Fire Services team reached the spot and began a search operation. Despite extensive efforts, they could not locate Shiba before nightfall. The rescue operation was suspended due to darkness and resumed early Tuesday morning. Fire Services personnel continue combing the reservoir to trace the missing youth.
