Balasore, Aug 9: A tragic incident marred the festive spirit of Raksha Bandhan in Balasore district as two young girls were swept away by the strong currents of the Subarnarekha River near the Sikarpur ghat.

According to local sources, three girls from Chakahari village had entered the river to bathe when they were caught in the swift flow. While one of them was rescued, the other two, aged 12 and 14, remain missing. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate the missing girls.

The incident occurred during Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrated across the country to honour the bond between brothers and sisters. While homes were filled with joy and rituals, the tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the village, leaving the community in shock.

Local authorities and rescue teams are continuing their search efforts, while villagers gather in prayer and hope for the safe return of the missing children.