Bhubaneswar: A 22-year-old youth went missing while bathing with friends at the Badalgiri waterfall in Sundargarh district.
According to reports, the missing youth identified as Gaurav Bipra from Rajgangpur, went missing while on a picnic with a 13-member group at the Badalgiri waterfall on Sunday. The group visited the waterfall despite bad weather warnings.
The group, ignoring safety warnings, climbed down to the waterbody without designated steps or safety arrangements. While bathing, Gaurav was swept away by the strong current. Though his friends try to rescue him, their efforts went in vain.
Due to the waterfall’s remote location, deep inside the forest, the group found it hard to find immediate help and later reported the incident to the Gurundia Police Station.
Till the last report came in, rescue operations are currently underway, with the police and firefighters working together to locate Gaurav.
Meanwhile, the public has been urged to avoid visiting such unmonitored locations, especially during the rainy season.