Tragic Sunday: Six Drown in Separate Incidents Across Odisha

On a tragic Sunday, six individuals drowned in separate incidents across Odisha, including two youths in Mayurbhanj and a young couple in Koraput. The incidents have led to ongoing investigations by local authorities. As families mourn their losses, the community is reminded of the dangers of swimming in unfamiliar waters. Read on for a detailed account of these heartbreaking events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2025, 10:18 IST

Multiple Drowning Incidents Reported

Ersama/Baripada/Rourkela/Nandapur: On Sunday, authorities reported that at least six individuals lost their lives in various drowning incidents throughout the state.

In the Mayurbhanj district, two young men tragically drowned while swimming in the Palpala River located within Similipal National Park.

According to police reports, a group of seven friends from Baripada had ventured into the park, where four of them decided to swim. Unfortunately, Ankit Bhujbal, 22, and Ayushman Nayak, 21, lost their footing and fell into deeper waters, leading to their drowning. Fire service teams later retrieved their bodies.

Baripada Sadar police inspector Aditya Prasad Jena confirmed that a case of unnatural death has been filed, and post-mortem examinations were conducted at PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada.

In a similar incident in Koraput district, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy drowned in the Jolaput reservoir near Daleiput ghat in the Nandapur block.

The victims, identified as Pushpa Bairagi and Debendra Kirshani from Banura village, had gone fishing when Pushpa fell into the water. Debendra drowned while attempting to rescue her. Their bodies were recovered after a five-hour search by fire personnel, and separate unnatural death cases were registered.

Additionally, a young man drowned in the Brahmani River near Teterkela in Rourkela while swimming with friends. His companions managed to escape, but he was swept away by the strong current, and his identity remains unconfirmed as of Sunday evening.

In Jagatsinghpur district, a 22-year-old man drowned after being caught in tidal waves while swimming at Siali beach under the jurisdiction of Ersama police. Deeptiranjan Parija, from Begunia village in Titira panchayat, had visited the beach with friends to celebrate the Raja festival. His body was discovered approximately 3 kilometers away near Ramtara beach after a two-hour search.

Authorities have registered unnatural death cases for all incidents and have sent the bodies for autopsy. Investigations are currently underway.