Paralakhemundi: The body of a 19-year-old youth who went missing after being swept away by strong river currents while crossing a river amid heavy rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Arnab was recovered three days later in Gajapati district.

The deceased has been identified as Premananda Gamang of Titili village under Rayagada block.

According to reports, Premananda had visited his relative’s house in Sada village in Rayagada block on Tuesday in connection with some work. He was reportedly swept away by the strong current while returning home. When he failed to return, his family members searched for him at various places but could not trace him.

Continuous rainfall and strong winds under the influence of Cyclone Arnab had severely disrupted communication in the area, leaving the family unable to inform the police about his disappearance.

On Friday, some local residents spotted a body floating in a river near a neighbouring village and alerted people in Titili. Premananda’s family members rushed to the spot and identified the body.

The police were subsequently informed. A team from Rayagada police station reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it to Paralakhemundi for post-mortem examination.

Rayagada police station Inspector-in-Charge Pramod Kumar Khandual said an unnatural death case had been registered and an investigation was underway.