Bhubaneswar: Three minor girls reportedly drowned in the Shankh river in Salangabahal village under Raiboga police station limits while collecting sand for Karma Puja preparations.
According to reports, the girls, aged between six and eight years, had accompanied some other girls to the river as part of the traditional practice of bringing sand for the festival. After collecting the sand and other materials, most of the girls returned home. However, the three girls remained near the river. They are believed to have either gone to play or bathe when the strong current swept them away.
When the children did not return, a search was launched and their bodies were later recovered from the river. Family members, with the help of villagers, rushed them to Beeramitrapur hospital, but doctors declared them dead on arrival.
The deceased have been identified as Sibika Sahu (6), Gitika Sahu (6), and Shruti Sahu (8). All three were residents of Majhatoli.
The tragic incident has cast a deep shadow of grief over Salangabahal village at a time when the region is celebrating Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai and Karma Puja.
