Odisha mother-son duo go missing in crocodile-infested forest, found after 5 days

In a dramatic rescue operation, a mother and son who had gone missing for five days in the dense Bhitarkanika forests of Kendrapara district were found alive on Monday.

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The duo, Anjana Mirdha and her son Ratindra Mirdha, from Debendra Narayanpur village under Rajnagar block, had ventured into the Baunsagada river area of the forest on September 3 to catch crabs but had not returned.

According to sources, after they went missing, the Forest Department launched a massive search operation, deploying 10 teams to comb through the crocodile-infested Kumbhiria River and nearby jungle.

The two were finally located today near Satabhaya ghat, a short distance from their last known location. Officials confirmed they were found alive but weak and were immediately moved to a health facility for treatment.

Preliminary information suggests the two had gotten separated and disoriented in the forest and survived in isolation until they were found.

The rescue brings relief to locals and showcases the efficacy of forest department efforts, though the incident also highlights the risks faced by forest dwellers depending on the ecosystem for livelihood.

“Four people from our village, including a mother-son duo, had gone into the Baunsagada River amid dense forest to catch crabs. Two of them returned, but the duo went missing in the forest,” a resident, Tapas Sarkar, expressed.

“This region is usually crocodile-infested. Hence, we were scared that any mishap might occur. The duo has returned safely,” another resident, Ajay Lenka, stated.