Bhubaneswar: Two youths drowned while bathing in the Baitarani River at Gurbeda under Bamebari police station in Keonjhar district.
The deceased has been identified as Sanatan Penthei of Jurudi Penthei slum. The identity of the second youth is yet to be confirmed.
According to information, six youths from Jurudi Penthei slum had gone to the Baitarani river near Gurbeda, a local tourist spot, for bathing. While bathing, Sanatan and one of his friends slipped and were swept away for some distance. Their friends tried to rescue them but failed, following which they went missing.
On being informed, Bamebari police along with fire brigade personnel reached the spot and launched rescue operations.
Later, locals spotted a body floating in the river and informed police. Police recovered the body of Sanatan Penthei. Subsequently, the body of the other youth was also recovered from the same spot. Police have seized the bodies and further investigation is underway.
