Kataka: The body of a youth who had been missing in the Mahanadi River since July 5 was recovered near the Naraj Barrage in Kataka (formerly Cuttack) district on Sunday, bringing a tragic end to an eight-day search operation.

The deceased has been identified as Akash Behera, one of three friends who were swept away by the river's strong currents while bathing and taking selfies near the Naraj Barrage.

According to officials, the decomposed body was found floating near Gate No. 22 of the Naraj Barrage at around 11:45 a.m. Personnel from the Baranga Fire Service reached the spot, retrieved the body from the river and handed it over to the police for further legal formalities.

The incident occurred on July 5, when three youths from the Macchua Bazar area of Kataka had gone to the Mahanadi River near Naraj. While taking selfies and bathing in the river, they were swept away by the strong current.

Local residents immediately rushed to their rescue and managed to save two of the youths. However, Akash Behera was carried away by the current and remained untraceable despite an extensive search by the Fire Services.

Rescue teams had launched a search operation on the day of the incident, but it was suspended after nightfall due to poor visibility. Subsequent search efforts continued over the following days.

With the recovery of Akash's body after eight days, the search operation has concluded. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and initiated further investigation.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of venturing into rivers with strong currents and taking selfies in unsafe locations, particularly during the monsoon season.