Bhadrak, April 21: A minor boy who had gone missing was found in a critical condition near the Nalang canal embankment under Bhadrak Rural Police Station limits on Tuesday morning. Locals rescued him in a near-unconscious state and rushed him to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

The injured boy has been identified as Rajib Lochan Pani, a +2 student. According to sources, his mobile phone had been switched off since Monday evening, prompting family members and friends to search for him throughout the night, but in vain.

Early Tuesday, information emerged that the boy was lying seriously injured in the canal area at Nalang. Locals immediately alerted authorities and arranged for his transportation to the hospital.

Preliminary reports indicate that he sustained severe injuries to his head and body, allegedly inflicted by a sharp weapon. His mobile phone and other personal belongings are reported missing.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.