Tragic Incident: Odisha YouTuber Missing After Waterfall Mishap

A tragic incident has unfolded in Odisha, where a 22-year-old YouTuber named Sagar Kundu has been missing for five days after being swept away by the Duduma waterfall's strong currents. Despite ongoing search efforts by disaster management teams, he has yet to be found. Friends had warned him about the rising water levels before he entered the waterfall. His father has appealed for help from local authorities. The search is complicated by challenging terrain and continuous rainfall. Duduma is a popular tourist destination known for its height and beauty.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 27, 2025, 10:02 IST

YouTuber Swept Away at Duduma Waterfall

Koraput: A 22-year-old YouTuber from Berhampur, Odisha, has been unaccounted for over the past five days after being swept away by the powerful currents of the Duduma waterfall in Koraput district while filming videos, as reported by local authorities on Wednesday.

A search operation is currently being conducted by disaster management teams and fire brigade personnel, but so far, there have been no signs of him, according to a senior police official.

The missing YouTuber, Sagar Kundu, had gone to the 175-meter Duduma waterfall on August 23 with friends to create short video content.

Despite warnings from his companions about the increasing water levels, Kundu decided to enter the waterfall, the officer stated.

A sudden surge occurred due to water being released from the Machkund dam, which swept Kundu away. Attempts to rescue him by those present were unsuccessful, as indicated by a video of the incident that gained traction on social media.

"Kundu was pleading for help with folded hands. He discarded his camera and other gear, but we couldn't save him," shared his friend Abhijit Behera.

Sagar's father, Sarthak Kundu, has appealed to local authorities for assistance in locating his son.

Inspector in-charge of Machkund Police Station, Madhusudan Bhoi, confirmed that a search operation is being carried out by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Lamtaput Fire Service.

"We have retrieved a bag containing batteries and other equipment that he had thrown into the water just before being swept away. The search in this hilly region is difficult due to the rocky terrain and ongoing rainfall," the IIC explained.

Fire service officer Umesh Chandra Bagh mentioned, "We have asked the Machkund dam authorities to close the reservoir gates. Lowering the water level will facilitate our search efforts."

Duduma is renowned as one of Odisha's tallest waterfalls and is a favored tourist spot, situated near the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.