Two Missing After Boat Capsizes in Kandhamal’s Khadga River

Baliguda: Two people, including a father-in-law and his daughter-in-law, went missing after a country boat carrying eight passengers overturned in the swollen Khadga River near Daka village in Kandhamal district on Wednesday, officials said.

The incident took place in a remote area under Salaguda Panchayat within the jurisdiction of Baliguda police station. The group was reportedly returning after crossing the river to visit relatives when the boat lost stability amid strong currents.

According to sources, Raingi Mallik had travelled to her parental village in Daka to attend a 10th-day death ritual, locally known as shuddhikriya. She later crossed the river with seven others to visit her maternal uncle’s residence. While they were returning, the boat capsized in the middle of the river.

All eight occupants were thrown into the water. Six people were rescued, while Guna Mallik and his daughter-in-law Raingi Mallik were swept away by the strong current and remain missing.

Following the incident, a team from the Baliguda Fire Service reached the spot and immediately began search and rescue operations. Despite efforts, the two missing persons had not been traced till the latest reports.

The search operation was continuing under challenging conditions, with the Khadga River witnessing a rise in water levels and strong currents.