Two Sisters Swept Away in Subarnarekha River During Rakhi Purnima Rituals

Jaleswar: In a tragic incident on Rakhi Purnima, two sisters from Chakahari village in Balasore district were swept away by strong currents in the Subarnarekha River on Saturday.

The victims had gone to Sikharpur Ghat along with around 100–150 Kaudias from their village to collect holy water for offering to Lord Shiva on the concluding day of the sacred Shravan month. As part of the ritual, the sisters entered the river for a dip but were caught in the current, along with three others. While the other three were rescued by fellow devotees, the sisters could not be located.

Fire Services teams and an ODRAF unit have launched an intensive search operation in the river. Efforts were ongoing till the last reports came in, said Jaleswar SDPO.