The obsession with "going viral" has claimed another life in a tragic incident near Bhadrak’s old market. Two youths, driven by the craze for social media reels, jumped from the Santiya Bridge into the Salandi River after setting up a mobile phone to record the stunt.
The reckless leap quickly turned into a struggle for survival as both were swept away by the strong current. Local witnesses alerted the authorities, prompting a swift response from the fire brigade.
While rescuers managed to pull one youth to safety, the second was missing for several hours. Tragically, his body was later recovered following an intensive search operation.
Current Situation:
Casualties: One youth rescued; one deceased.
Investigation: Police are interrogating the individual who was filming the incident to understand the full sequence of events.
The Trend: Authorities are warning against "reel addiction," which is increasingly leading youth to risk their lives for online views.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder that a few seconds of digital fame are never worth a lifetime of loss.