Koraput: A 22-year-old YouTuber from Berhampur has been missing for the past five days after being swept away by the powerful currents of the Duduma waterfall in Koraput district while filming reels, police said on Wednesday.
The missing youth has been identified as Sagar Kundu, who along with friends had visited the 175-metre-high waterfall on August 23. Despite warnings from his companions about the rising water level, Kundu ventured into the fall area to shoot videos.
“Suddenly, water was released from the Machkund dam, triggering a surge. Kundu was swept away by the strong currents. Though those present tried to rescue him, they failed,” police said, adding that a video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
His friend Abhijit Behera recalled, “Sagar pleaded with folded hands for help. He threw away his camera and equipment, but we could not save him.”
A massive search operation has been launched by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Lamtaput Fire Service personnel. Machkund police said that so far, only a bag containing batteries and other equipment has been recovered. The rescue teams are facing difficulties due to heavy rain, rocky terrain, and gushing water.
Fire service officer said that Machkund dam authorities have been requested to close dam gates to reduce water flow and aid the search.
Sagar’s father, Sarthak Kundu, has appealed to the administration to intensify efforts to trace his son.
Duduma, one of Odisha’s highest waterfalls, located near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, is a popular tourist destination but has also witnessed several accidents during monsoon due to strong currents.
