Jajpur, Nov 12: A family pilgrimage to Odisha’s Jajpur district ended in tragedy on Thursday after an elderly couple from Andhra Pradesh drowned in the Baitarani River while attempting to rescue their daughter from deep waters.
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The deceased were identified as Srinivasu and his wife, Devi, residents of the Palamaner area in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. The couple had travelled to Jajpur with family members to visit Maa Biraja Temple and take a ritual dip in the river.
The incident occurred near Saptamatruka Varahanath Ghat, also known as Baruni Ghat, where the family had entered the river for a holy bath.
Couple enters river to save daughter
According to a family member, the couple’s daughter had moved into deeper water and got into difficulty while bathing. Srinivasu immediately entered the river to rescue her and managed to bring her to safety.
However, he reportedly got into trouble while returning. His wife, Devi, then entered the water in an attempt to save him but also began struggling.
The situation quickly turned critical, prompting family members to seek help.
Fire services team rescues couple
After receiving information, a fire services team from Jajpur town rushed to the ghat and pulled both Srinivasu and Devi out of the river. They were found in critical condition and shifted to the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital for emergency treatment.
Doctors attempted to revive the couple, including through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, they could not be saved.
Dr Dipak Kumar Behera of the district headquarters hospital said the two patients were brought in after being rescued by fire personnel. Despite efforts to restore their vital signs, doctors declared both dead.
Family outing turns into tragedy
The family reportedly comprised six members, including the deceased couple, their son, daughter, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. The relatives had travelled from the Palamaner region and were on a religious visit to Jajpur.
A nephew of the deceased said the family had planned to leave after taking a dip in the Baitarani when the incident occurred. He said Srinivasu had entered the water to help the young woman but was unable to return safely.
The tragedy has left the surviving family members devastated, turning what was meant to be a religious and family outing into a heartbreaking loss.
Police were informed about the incident. Further details were not immediately available.
