Paradip: A tragic incident was reported from Paradip area in Jagatsinghpur district, where an elderly man drowned in the Mahanadi River while fishing early on Sunday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Mahendra Sethi, a resident of Paradipgarh, believed to be over 60 years of age. 
According to reports, he had gone to the river at dawn along with a local youth, Rajesh Tarai, to pull fishing nets.

Victim reportedly exhausted while swimming in strong tidal waters

Rajesh Tarai said that the river had strong tidal currents at the time. While attempting to manage the nets and swim in the water, Mahendra Sethi reportedly became exhausted and eventually drowned.

Despite being fatigued himself, Rajesh made efforts to locate Sethi but was unsuccessful.

Fire services recover body after hours-long search

On receiving information, the Kujang Fire Services reached the spot in the morning and launched a search operation. After nearly three hours of efforts, the team recovered the body from the deep waters of the river.

Personnel from Paradeep Lock Police Station arrived at the scene and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Further investigation into the incident is underway.