A tragic incident occurred on Maha Shivaratri as five youths drowned in the Godavari River near Kovvur, East Godavari district. Police have launched a rescue operation, recovering one body so far.
HYDERABAD: A tragic incident unfolded on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri as five youths drowned in the Godavari River near Kovvur in East Godavari district. The incident took place at Tadipudi in Tallapudi Mandal, where the group had entered the river for a holy bath.
Upon receiving information, police immediately reached the scene and initiated search operations with the help of expert swimmers. So far, the body of one victim, Padala Durga Prasad (19), has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining four.
Victims Were College Students
The five youths have been identified as Tirumala Shetty Pawan (17), Padala Durga Prasad (19), Anisetti Pawan (19), Garre Akash (19), and Padala Sai Krishna (19). They hailed from Tadipudi and were pursuing their intermediate and degree education in Kovvur, Tallapudi, and Rajamahendravaram.
According to eyewitnesses, the group entered the river for a ritual bath early Wednesday morning. However, they were unaware of a deep section in the river. One of them accidentally slipped into the deeper waters, prompting the others to attempt a rescue. Tragically, all five were swept away by the current.
Search Efforts Continue
Authorities are making all efforts to recover the missing individuals. Rescue teams, including trained divers, are combing the river to locate the remaining bodies. The incident has cast a pall of sorrow over the community, with local residents and relatives anxiously awaiting further developments.
