Indian magician ‘Wizard Mandrake’ feared dead after attempting dangerous Houdini river stunt

An Indian magician, who attempted to recreate Harry Houdini’s famed trick by jumping shackled into a river, is feared dead.

Chanchal Lahiri was meant to escape and swim to safety but did not emerge from the Huodini river in west Bengal state.

Spectators who had gathered to watch him take the plunge on Sunday informed the police, who say they are searching for him.

Mr Lahiri, also known as mandrake, was lowered into the river from a boat.

He was shackled with six locks and a chain as spectators on two boats watched him.

Police and a team of divers canvassed the area but were unable to find the magician as at the time of filing this report.

One officer told the Hindustan times newspaper that Mr Lahiri could not be declared dead until the body was found.

This is not the first time that Mr Lahiri had attempted a risky underwater trick.