In a tragic incident, a Kanwariya reportedly died after drowning in Baitarani river near Ballabhi ghat in Jajpur district on Sunday.
According to sources, Samal had come to Ballabhi ghat to lift water ahead of the auspicious ‘Sawan Somwar’. However, he drowned while bathing in the river.
Upon getting information, Fire Services personnel rescued Samal and immediately rushed him to the Jajpur district headquarters hospital (DHH). However, the doctor declared him dead on arrival.
“My brother (Samal) along with his two friends had come to lift water from Ballabhi ghat and they had plans to visit Aradi Shiva shrine on Sawan Somwar. However, while fetching water from the river, he slipped into deep water and drowned. I tried to save him but in vain,” said Anirudh Samal, a relative of the deceased.