Bhubaneswar, Nov 12: A pilgrimage to Odisha turned tragic after a couple from Andhra Pradesh drowned in the Baitarani River near Barahanath in Jajpur district on Thursday.

According to reports, the couple had travelled to Jajpur to seek the blessings of Goddess Maa Biraja, one of the prominent Shakti shrines in the state. During their visit, they went to the Baitarani River near Barahanath to take a holy bath.

However, the outing took a tragic turn when both reportedly got caught in the river and drowned. On being informed about the incident, Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

The couple was subsequently rescued from the river in a critical condition and immediately shifted to the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for medical treatment. However, despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared both of them brought dead.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the locality and cast a pall of gloom among residents. The tragic deaths have also raised concerns over safety precautions for visitors and pilgrims bathing in the river.

What began as a religious visit to seek divine blessings ended in an unfortunate tragedy, leaving the family members and local residents in deep grief.

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