Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 14:

At least five children drowned in separate mishaps in Kendrapara and Balasore districts in Odisha while setting afloat paper boats as part of the Boita Bondana or Boat Festival on the occasion of Kartik Purnima today.

drowning

A five-year-old in Rankala village under Marshaghai block in Kendrapara district drowned to death while setting afloat a paper boat in a water body.

Similarly, a school boy of Kaladia village under Aul police station limits in the same district drowned after his feet slipped in a pond while he was setting afloat a paper boat.

Besides, another child has died under similar conditions in Nikirei area, while another boy has died in Baunsabania village in Balasore district while he was collect paper boats from a pond.

Further, a girl child drowned to death in Chota Kanpur village under Oupada block in Balasore district under similar conditions.