Live Updates: Operation Gaja Underway at Mundali Barrage

OTV Chief Reporter Arindam Das dies after the ODRAF boat, carrying him and other rescue personnel, capsized during an operation to save a tusker stranded near Mundali barrage in Mahanadi River in Cuttack. Following the mishap, he was rescued and rushed to the SCB Hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead. The OTV video journalist Pravat Sinha who was also on board the boat has been shifted to the ICU of the hospital and stated to be in critical condition, said SCB authorities. 

ODRAF boat mishap: OTV chief reporter Arindam Das no more, confirms Cuttack SCB Emergency Officer

The ODRAF boat had capsized during an operation to rescue a tusker trapped in Mahanadi river #Odishapic.twitter.com/RCd9mq96vj

— OTV (@otvnews) September 24, 2021

Two OTV journalists, who were in the ODRAF boat that capsized at Mundali during the rescue operation of the elephant stuck at the spot, were rescued in critical condition and shifted to SCB Cuttack.

During the rescue operation of the trapped tusker, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) boat capsized in the Mahanadi River near the Mundali barrage due to the strong water current.

#BIG_BREAKING

WATCH | Mishap during Tusker rescue ops in Mahanadi river barrage: #ODRAF boat carrying rescue personnel & #OTV crew capsizes #Odishapic.twitter.com/x38AITKfPd

— OTV (@otvnews) September 24, 2021

After nearing the shore, the tusker headed back into the middle of the Mahanadi river reportedly after seeing a large crowd in the surroundings. The rescue operation is still underway.

Tusker trapped in barrage for over 7 hours: After nearing the shore, tusker heads back into the middle of the #Mahanadi river reportedly after seeing large crowd in the surroundings; rescue operation underway #Odishapic.twitter.com/XewCGB9nvT

— OTV (@otvnews) September 24, 2021

A 10-member expert team along with Chandaka DFO reaches Mundali for ‘Operation Gaja’ for rescue of tusker stuck in Mahanadi waters due to the strong current in the river. 

[VIDEO]

Tusker stuck in Mahanadi, rescue op underway #Odisha

Link: https://t.co/DW0hY0HsT6pic.twitter.com/Iu4ej7nHVy

— OTV (@otvnews) September 24, 2021

Rescue operations are underway by the fire services personnel to save a tusker that has got stuck near Mundali barrage in Cuttack district. According to reports, the tusker got stranded near the bridge while trying to cross Mahanadi. The wild animal was unable to move due to strong current in the river.

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