Sambalpur: A tragic incident occurred in Sambalpur on Sunday when a student reportedly went missing after being swept away by strong currents in a power channel while on a picnic with friends and his tuition teacher.

The missing student has been identified as Swastik Padhi, a Plus Two student studying at a reputed college in Bhubaneswar. According to reports, Swastik had returned to his hometown during the holidays.

Plus Two student from Bhubaneswar college feared drowned

On the day of the incident, he had gone on a picnic to the Athara Hajar area near the power channel along with his tuition teacher and several friends. While bathing in the channel, he reportedly lost his footing and was swept away by the strong water current.

After receiving information about the incident, personnel from the Burla Police and the Fire Services Department rushed to the spot and launched a search and rescue operation. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by the strong flow and force of the water.

Sources said Swastik is a resident of Sahyog Nagar in the Budharaja area of Sambalpur. Following the incident, a large number of relatives, friends and local residents from Sahyog Nagar and nearby Jharuapada gathered at the site, anxiously awaiting news about the student.

The search operation was continuing till the filing of this report, and authorities were yet to trace the missing student. Further details are awaited as rescue teams continue their efforts.