Balasore, Oct. 3 (UDN): A pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh, who was travelling to Puri with his family, went missing after reportedly being swept away while bathing in the Subarnarekha River near Rajghat in Balasore district on Saturday morning.

The missing man has been identified as Ashok Pathak, a resident of Uttar Pradesh.

Swept Away by Strong Current

According to preliminary information, Ashok was travelling with family members from Ayodhya to Puri when the group stopped near Rajghat under the jurisdiction of Basta police station.

Some members of the group reportedly entered the Subarnarekha to take a bath. Ashok is believed to have lost his footing amid the strong current and was swept into deeper waters.

His family members raised an alarm following the incident, prompting an immediate search for him.

Fire Services, ODRAF Launch Search

Fire Services personnel and an ODRAF team were mobilised after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel reached the spot and launched a search operation with the help of boats.

The strong current in the river is reportedly making the rescue operation difficult.

Ashok’s family members are present at the site as the search continues. The rescue teams are making efforts to trace him, with the operation underway at the time of the latest report.