On Sunday, seven Odia pilgrims were swept away by a sudden torrent along the Nalkheda road, killing all on board as heavy rains turned the surface into a rushing current. The vehicle, carrying the Behera family on a pilgrimage from Odisha, was caught in the deluge, and the driver, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, also perished.
The mortal remains reached Bhubaneswar at 12:45 a.m., were first laid at the family home in Jayadev Vihar, then moved to Gadakana for final darshan before being carried to the banks of Puri Swargadwar. In a solemn ceremony, relatives performed the last rites, with Niranjan Behera lighting the pyres for Shiva Prasad and his children, and Dilip Behera for his sister Ritarani and her family.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a ₹5 lakh ex‑gratia per victim, while Madhya Pradesh Revenue Inspector Rahul Jain led a 30‑hour ambulance convoy that transported the bodies. The state government also pledged ₹4 lakh for each deceased, and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said officials were coordinating with families.
Family members, led by Sarbeswar Behera, have filed complaints over the lack of warning signs and barricades at the accident site, blaming the Agar‑Malwa district administration for inadequate safety measures. Police Commissioner S. Debadatta Singh paid floral tributes at the funeral pyres, underscoring the tragedy that turned a hopeful pilgrimage into a mournful farewell.