Elephant Rescue Turns Tragic — Brave Journalist and Rescuer Lose Lives
The Mahanadi River was wide, wild, and unforgiving that morning. Locals had been watching in horror as a massive elephant struggled against the relentless current near Mundali Bridge. Soon, a team of rescuers and journalists gathered, determined to save the animal—and bear witness to a historic moment.
Among them was Arindam Das, a fearless journalist, and his colleague, cameraman Prabhat Sinha. Alongside them were members of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), trained for floods, storms, and emergencies. Together, they launched a boat into the roaring river, eyes fixed on the stranded jumbo.
At first, the rescue seemed under control. The elephant fought the current, the team pressed forward, and hope remained.
Then, in an instant, tragedy struck. A surge of water capsized their boat, tossing everyone into the powerful river. Cries for help echoed as the elephant thrashed nearby, confused and panicked.
The toll was immediate:
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Arindam Das, rushed to SCB Medical College, did not survive.
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ODRAF rescuer Murmu also lost his life.
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Prabhat Sinha clung to life in critical condition.
The very mission meant to save a life had claimed two human lives. The news sent shockwaves through Odisha and beyond.