Missing Cameraman Found Dead After Boat Mishap in Chandbal

Missing Cameraman Found Dead After Boat Mishap in Chandbali

CNB WORLD TIMES

Chandbali, Bhadrak, 19^th June: A 25-year-old cameraman who went missing after a boat accident in the Mantei River near Baliapal Ghat in Chandbali block was found dead after nearly 24 hours of search operations.

The deceased has been identified as Vijay Behera of Jashipur area in Chandbali. Vijay was working as a cameraman for a company engaged in survey and road work related to a proposed bridge project over the river.

According to reports, three employees of the company were crossing the Mantai River in a temporary boat arranged by the contractor while carrying out video documentation of the project work. The boat reportedly lost balance in the middle of the river, causing the occupants to fall into the water.

Local residents quickly rescued two of the victims and rushed them to a hospital. However, Vijay Behera went missing in the river.

Following the incident, rescue teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the Fire Services Department launched a search operation. After continuous efforts for nearly 24 hours, Vijay's body was recovered from the river.

The incident has triggered outrage among local residents and the victim's family. Family members alleged that the company failed to provide basic safety arrangements for workers crossing the river. They claimed that no life jackets, lifeguards, or adequate safety personnel were deployed at the site.

Questions have also been raised regarding the safety standards followed during the bridge construction and survey work. Locals alleged that an unsafe boat and an inexperienced operator were used for transportation across the river.

The tragic death of Vijay, the only son of Chakradhar Behera and Banalata Behera, has left the family devastated. Scenes of the grieving parents mourning their son moved many residents in the area.

Residents and family members have demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. They have also called for compensation for the bereaved family and action against those responsible for the alleged negligence.

The incident has cast a shadow of grief across Chandbali and renewed concerns about worker safety at infrastructure project sites.