India, July 12 -- The body of a youth who had been missing in the Mahanadi River since July 5 was recovered near the Naraj Barrage in Kataka (formerly Cuttack) district on Sunday, bringing a tragic end to an eight-day search operation.

The deceased has been identified as Akash Behera, one of three friends who were swept away by the river's strong currents while bathing and taking selfies near the Naraj Barrage.

According to officials, the decomposed body was found floating near Gate No. 22 of the Naraj Barrage at around 11:45 a.m. Personnel from the Baranga Fire Service reached the spot, retrieved the body from the river and handed it over to the police for further legal formalities.

The incident occurred on July 5, when three youths ...