Cuttack, Oct 12: A tragic incident unfolded in Basantakundal village under 42 Mouza of Cuttack Sadar block on Sunday, where two 14-year-old boys drowned while bathing in the Sedua River.

The mishap occurred when both boys reportedly slipped while bathing and were swept away by the current.

The victims, identified as Guruprasad Nayak and Sai Subham Barik, had gone to the river for a bath when the accident took place. Locals rushed to the scene and managed to rescue Guruprasad after a prolonged search. He was found in a critical condition and immediately shifted to Cuttack Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

However, Sai Subham remains missing, and efforts to locate him are ongoing. The Odisha Fire Services team arrived at the spot and launched a search operation, deploying divers and rescue equipment to trace the missing boy.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with residents gathering at the riverbank in hope and prayer. Family members of both boys are in deep distress, and local authorities have assured full support in the rescue and medical efforts.