Puri, April 9: In a tragic incident, a man lost his life after falling into an open drain near the Puri Police Line High School. The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. Upon receiving information, Kumbharapada police rushed to the spot, recovered the body, and sent it to Puri District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem.
Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident, including how the victim fell into the drain and his place of origin.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing menace of uncovered drains in the pilgrim town. Despite repeated demands from residents to install slabs over open drains, the district administration has allegedly failed to take adequate measures, resulting in recurring fatalities.
In a related incident earlier this month, an unidentified body was recovered from Narendra Pushkarini. The body was spotted on the opposite side of the water body while boats were being taken out for the Chandan Yatra rituals. Police had seized the body and sent it for post-mortem while initiating a probe.
With the world-famous Rath Yatra approaching and lakhs of devotees expected to throng Puri, concerns over public safety have intensified. Residents and locals have urged the administration to take immediate steps to cover open drains and prevent further loss of life.
