Kataka: Bringing a tragic end to an eight-day search operation, the body of a youth who had gone missing after being swept away by the strong currents of the Mahanadi River on July 5 was recovered near the Naraj Barrage on Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Akash Behera, a resident of the Machhua Bazar area of Kataka.
According to reports, the decomposed body was found floating near Gate No. 22 of the Naraj Barrage at around 11.45 am. Personnel from the Baranga Fire Service rushed to the spot, retrieved the body from the river and handed it over to the police for legal formalities.
The incident occurred on July 5 (Sunday) when Akash and his two friends had gone to the Mahanadi River near Naraj for an outing. While bathing and taking selfies near the barrage, the trio was swept away by the strong current.
Local residents immediately launched a rescue effort and managed to save two of the youths. However, Akash was carried away by the river and remained untraceable despite intensive search operations by the Fire Services and other rescue teams.
Search operations had begun on the day of the incident but were suspended after nightfall due to poor visibility. Rescue teams resumed the operation over the following days and continued their efforts until the body was recovered on Sunday.
Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and initiated further investigation into the incident.
