Sonepur, Oct 6: An elderly woman drowned in the Gorandi river near Kapasira-Julunda in Sonepur district on Sunday, after being swept away by the current while bathing. The deceased has been identified as 75-year-old Saraswati Pradhan of Amamunda village.

According to sources, the incident occurred when the woman had gone to the river for bathing and was caught in the strong flow of water. Locals who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the Binika Fire Services.

A team from the Binika Fire Station reached the spot promptly and launched a search and rescue operation. After nearly two hours of intensive effort, the fire personnel were able to locate and recover the body.

The body was retrieved in the presence of local police officials and the village sarpanch. It was later handed over to the police for further procedures. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and police have begun an investigation.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with locals mourning the tragic death.