Bhubaneswar, Jan 16: In a tragic incident, a young man lost his life after falling into an open drain in the Salia Sahi area of Bhubaneswar yesterday afternoon.

The deceased, identified as Sinu Gagrai, a resident of Hatiasuni in Salia Sahi, was reportedly walking along a road near his house when his legs slipped, causing him to fall into the open drain. The incident occurred suddenly, catching him off guard.

Eyewitnesses rushed to his aid and managed to pull him out of the drain, though he had sustained severe head injuries. He was immediately taken to the Capital Hospital for medical treatment, but despite efforts, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

While the drains in the area remain open due to ongoing road construction, local residents have pointed fingers at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) for negligence. They allege that the lack of proper safety measures, such as barriers or warning signs, led to the fatal accident. The absence of security or precautionary steps to prevent such incidents is being seen as a major lapse by the authorities.

The local community has voiced strong concerns, demanding compensation for Sinu’s family and calling for immediate action to prevent similar accidents in the future. The incident has brought to light the urgent need for safety measures around construction sites, especially where open drains and hazards pose risks to the public.