Sundaragada: A thorough two-day search operation culminated on Saturday afternoon with the recovery of 39-year-old Pragyashree Panda’s body from Sakobahal Ghat in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. Pragyashree had been swept away by the strong currents of the Ib River at Kanakund.
Sources indicate that Pragyashree, hailing from the Mahesdihi area of Sundargarh town, had visited the picturesque rocky gorge and canyon along the Ib River near Ghoghar with her brother Raj, her sister Itishree Purohit, and Itishree’s husband on Thursday afternoon. While at the location, she climbed onto a slippery rock near the fast-moving water to take photos. Meanwhile, Itishree was on a video call, sharing the scenic view with another sister when she suddenly screamed upon seeing Pragyashree fall.
Upon turning around, Itishree saw her sister being pulled into a deep whirlpool by the strong currents. Although local youths from Ghoghar village hurried to help after hearing the family’s shouts, the fierce waters prevented anyone from entering the river. Consequently, a fire services team was called to assist in the rescue.
Despite the relentless efforts of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team from Jharsuguda, along with the fire services and police, the search yielded no results for two days. On Saturday, local fishermen discovered her body caught in bushes near the riverbank. Fire service personnel were alerted and subsequently retrieved the body from the water. The Talsara Police then completed the necessary legal procedures and transported the body to the District Headquarters Hospital for an autopsy.
Prajnashree was recognized in her community as a dedicated social worker. The news of her body being found has deeply affected the local area, leaving residents in mourning.
