Goat theft suspect missing in Sundargarh, search operation continues
A youth accused of attempting to steal goats has gone missing in Sundargarh, Odisha.
A youth accused of attempting to steal goats has been missing for over 12 hours after allegedly jumping into a river on Friday in Koilijhar village under Chandiposh police station in Odisha's Sundargarh district. Police and Fire Services personnel are continuing a search operation, but the youth remained untraced till the latest reports.
According to preliminary information, four youths from Rourkela allegedly arrived in the village in a car on Friday to steal goats. A photograph of the vehicle used by the suspects has been circulated by OTV. While fleeing, they were spotted by villagers, who gave chase.
Three Caught, One Jumps Into River
Villagers managed to catch three of the accused and allegedly assaulted them before informing the police. The fourth youth reportedly jumped into a nearby river in an attempt to escape. Officials suspect he may have been swept away by the strong current, though his whereabouts are yet to be confirmed.
After receiving information, Chandiposh police and Fire Services teams reached the spot and launched a search operation in the river, which continued for several hours. Officials said the search operation will continue until the missing youth is traced.
Three Under Treatment In Police Custody
The three detained youths are undergoing treatment under police custody at the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). Police are questioning them to ascertain the sequence of events and verify the identity of the missing youth.
Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged goat theft attempt and the escape bid. The incident occurred on Friday, 11 July 2026, and was reported by Anmol Lakra at 14:20 IST.
Who is missing in Sundargarh?
A youth accused of attempting to steal goats
Where did the incident occur?
Koilijhar village under Chandiposh police station in Odisha's Sundargarh district
What happened to the three accused youths?
They are undergoing treatment under police custody at the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH)
Why did the fourth youth jump into the river?
In an attempt to escape from villagers
What is the current status of the search operation?
It continues until the missing youth is traced
Where are the police and Fire Services teams searching?
In the river near Koilijhar village
What is the alleged motive of the four youths?
To steal goats
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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