Chikiti (Ganjam): In a heart-wrenching incident on Mahashtami, three members of a family drowned while crossing the Bahuda River in Ganjam district, leaving a young girl critically injured.
According to reports, Usha Behera (50), her daughter Anusaya Behera (35), her seven-year-old granddaughter, and five-year-old grandson of Kalingadala village under Gadagobindapur Panchayat in Digapahandi block had gone to witness the Navratri Puja of Maa Ratneshwari near K. Nuagaon on Tuesday. After offering prayers and partaking prasad, the family attempted to cross the Bahuda River around 3 PM today while returning home.
Tragically, all four were swept away by the strong river current. Alert villagers rushed to the spot and managed to rescue them. The victims were taken to Chikiti Community Health Centre by bike and 108 Ambulance service. However, doctors declared Usha Behera, her daughter Anusaya, and the young boy dead on arrival. The seven-year-old girl, who survived with critical injuries, was shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.
Police from Dhanaghar police station have seized the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examination.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Kalingadala and neighbouring villages, where residents are mourning the loss of the family.
