Rourkela, Dec 18: The body of Deepesh Pradhan, a PhD student from the Mathematics Department at NIT Rourkela, was recovered on Wednesday after an intensive 86-hour search operation. Deepesh had gone missing on Saturday after being swept away by strong currents at Kanakunda, a popular spot near the 7 Bakhara area.

The body was found at 12:50 PM in Balighat, located in Baisnabahal village under the jurisdiction of Yamuna Panchayat in Subdega block, about 1.5 km downstream from the original spot. The area falls under Talsara police station in Sundargarh district.

The search began immediately after the incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon. Deepesh had traveled with four friends to Kanakunda in a Bolero vehicle. At around 3:50 PM, while bathing at the Sata Bakhara spot, he was swept away by a sudden, strong current. Despite attempts by his friends and local residents to rescue him, Deepesh could not be found.

A massive search operation, including teams from Jharsuguda ODRAF, Rourkela ODRAF, Balishankara and Subdega fire services, as well as Talsara police, was launched. The search continued for four days, with rescue personnel working round the clock in difficult conditions.

After the body was recovered, Talsara police registered an unnatural death case. The body was sent for a post-mortem at Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital before being handed over to the family. The loss of Deepesh has shocked the community, and condolences have been pouring in for his family and friends.