Among them was Arindam Das, a respected journalist known for his fearless reporting, and his colleague, cameraman Prabhat Sinha. Alongside them stood members of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), trained men who had faced floods, storms, and countless emergencies before. On that Friday morning, they all shared a single purpose: to bring the elephant safely to shore.

The Mission
何山爱龟说

The team launched a boat into the churning waters, eyes fixed on the stranded jumbo. For Das and Sinha, it was a story that embodied both the fragility of wildlife and the bravery of those who protect it. For ODRAF, it was another day of service, another chance to save a life.

The elephant fought against the river, its immense strength tested by the relentless current. The rescuers pressed forward, hoping to guide the animal to safety. For a while, everything seemed to be under control.

The Turning Point
ओडिशा: हाथी को बचाने समय हुआ हादसा, रिपोर्टिंग कर रहे एक पत्रकार की मौत – Odisha: Reporter dies after boat to rescue elephant capsizes – News AajTak

Then, in an instant, everything changed.

As the team maneuvered close to the animal, a surge of water caught their boat. It tilted sharply, then capsized, tossing its passengers into the deep, fast-moving river. Cries for help pierced the roar of the current as men fought to stay afloat. The elephant, confused and panicked, continued to thrash nearby.

On the riverbank, onlookers gasped in horror. A rescue mission meant to save one life had suddenly put many others at risk.

Lives Lost
The ODRAF quickly mobilized another effort, pulling survivors from the water. But the toll had already been taken.

Arindam Das was rushed to SCB Medical College, but despite doctors’ desperate efforts, he was declared dead. His colleague, Prabhat Sinha, clung to life in critical condition. And among the rescuers, tragedy struck as well — ODRAF member Murmu succumbed to his injuries after being pulled from the water.