Cuttack, Nov 26: Atleast three bodies of four students, who went missing while bathing in Mahanadi River near Bhadimula Ghat in Cuttack on Thursday afternoon, were recovered today after a search operation by the Fire Services department.

All batchmates studying in Class Viii and aged between 13 and 14 years are natives of Potapokhari in the Nayabazar area of Cuttack City.

Sources said, the four students went to Gandhipalli in Baligada near Mahanadi River late on Thursday afternoon. Thereafter, they slipped off into Mahanadi, but unfortunately, nobody was present near the spot.

The families of the four locals went to search for them as they did not return till late at night.

Later a local spotted two bicycles lying on the ground and immediately informed others for help and also informed the local police station.

Chauliaganj police reached the spot along with Cuttack DCP Prateek Singh following which he sent the team of ODRAF fire fighters to initiate the rescue operation of the minors. Meanwhile, three bodies have been found. On the other hand, one still is missing.

Search operation is on.