Angul, Aug. 10: A religious outing turned tragic in Odisha’s Angul district after two Kanwariyas were swept away by strong currents in the Lingara canal near Tipirisingha on Sunday while collecting water for a Jalabhisheka ritual.

According to reports, a group of devotees had reached the canal to collect water for the religious offering. While filling their containers, two of the devotees reportedly lost their footing and fell into the deep, fast-flowing water.

One Devotee Rescued

Hearing their cries for help, local residents rushed to the spot and managed to rescue one of the Kanwariyas from the water.

The rescued devotee was reportedly in a critical condition and was immediately shifted to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors provided emergency treatment.

However, the second Kanwariya was carried away by the strong current and remains missing.

Rescue Operation Underway

Soon after receiving information about the incident, a team from the Fire Services Department, along with police personnel and local divers, reached the spot and launched a search operation.

Rescuers have been scanning the canal and downstream areas while taking precautions against the strong current. Efforts are underway to trace the missing devotee.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom among the group of devotees. Authorities are continuing the search, while further details about the identities of the two Kanwariyas and the circumstances leading to the incident are awaited.