Hooghly, 02 November (H.S.):A Class 10 student died after drowning in a pond under mysterious circumstances in Goghat village on Monday afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Ritam Kushari, the only son of his parents. The incident has plunged the family into deep grief.

Police recovered the student's body from the pond and sent it for post-mortem examination.

The deceased's father, Swarup Kushari, alleged that his son was given some intoxicating substance and then pushed into the pond by his friends. He further claimed that people present at the spot watched Ritam drown but did not make any attempt to rescue him. He has demanded strict punishment for those responsible.

Ritam's mother, Mousumi Kushari, said that she had asked her son to come home for lunch on Monday afternoon. He reportedly told her that he would eat after his father returned. Meanwhile, some of his friends came and called him outside. Ritam said he would return and have his meal. A little later, the family received a phone call informing them that he had drowned in a pond.

Breaking down in grief, his mother said that Ritam was preparing to appear for his Madhyamik (Class 10 board) examination, but that dream would now remain unfulfilled.

However, the family has not lodged any formal complaint with the police so far. According to police sources, no complaint has been received in connection with the incident. Police said an investigation would be initiated if a formal complaint is filed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey