Odisha: Isro scientist drowns in Bargarh pond

SAMBALPUR: An Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist, Nihar Ranjan Pradhan, drowned while bathing in a pond at his native village in Odisha's Bargarh district on Monday.
The 27-year-old Nihar had arrived at Jharpali village under Ambabhona block on Saturday on a 15-day leave.
He was working for the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, Thiruvananthapuram, the lead unit of ISRO responsible for the design and development of launch vehicle technology.
On Monday noon, Nihar went to the village pond to take a dip, but suddenly started drowning. People present at the spot rushed to his rescue and took him to the nearest hospital in Bhukta, but the doctor declared him brought dead.
Nirhar's father Rajkumar Pradhan is a farmer, while his mother, Pankajini, a housewife. He was the youngest of four siblings.
"I met Nihar yesterday (Sunday). I had a long chat with him. He was very courteous and a modest person. The fact that someone who was amidst us until yesterday is no more is yet to sink in. He had told me that he wanted to do doing something for the poor and bright students of our village. He went away too soon," Manohar Sahu of the same village said. Nihar did not know how to swim, he added.
Police have registered a case in this regard and sent the body for autopsy.