A 40-year-old Indian magician went missing on Sunday after being lowered into the Ganges River in an attempt to recreate an underwater escape trick forged by legendary magician Harry Houdini.
Chanchal Lahiri, also known as “Wizard Mandrake", was lowered blindfolded into the fast-flowing river from a boat with his hands and legs tied in front of fans, reporters, his family and friends who gathered to watch him.
The missing daredevil earlier said that he had successfully completed a similar stunt years ago inside a bullet proof glass box in the same river.
Before he descended into the river he reportedly said to a local newspaper photographer it would be "magic" if he freed himself, but "tragic" if he couldn't.
"We fear he drowned in the river," police told reporters.
