Kochi, 10 May (H.S.): Three students of a private dental college drowned in a river near Kothamangalam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district on Sunday after they were reportedly caught in a strong current while bathing.

The deceased have been identified as Biyon from Thiruvalla, Harish from Thiruvananthapuram, and Atul from Kottayam. Police said all three were students of the Baselios Dental College in Kothamangalam.

The tragic incident occurred at Palavanpadi river near Vadattuppara, a forest-fringe area located downstream of the Idamalayar dam. According to local residents, the river experiences strong currents even during summer as water is released after power generation activities at the dam.

Police officials said the students had reached the spot in the morning as part of a leisure trip on the holiday. While bathing in the river, they were swept away by the powerful current.

Local people and rescue teams launched a search operation soon after the students went missing. Their bodies were recovered around noon after hours of search efforts.

Authorities said the area is known for unpredictable water flow and dangerous undercurrents. Locals often caution visitors against entering the river, particularly during periods when water is discharged from the dam.

The deaths have sent shockwaves through the college community and among the families of the students. Fellow students and local residents gathered at the site as rescue operations were carried out.

Police have initiated further proceedings, and the bodies were shifted for post-mortem examination. An investigation into the incident is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman