Bhubaneswar, 5 February (H.S.): Two students drowned in the Kuakhai River during the immersion of a Saraswati idol on Wednesday near Rangbazar, located within the Balianta police jurisdiction on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The victims have been identified as 15-year-olds Divya Jyoti Mahalik, from the Kalimandir area in Bhubaneswar Unit 6, and Sikun Sahabi, from Unit 6 Ganganagar.

Reports suggest that Divya Jyoti, Sikun, and their friends from a private coaching centre went to the Kuakhai River for the idol immersion. While in the water, both students lost their footing and slipped into deep water, resulting in the tragic incident. Their friends promptly alerted the students' families and the Balianta police.

A search operation was launched by Fire Services personnel and the police, and the two students were retrieved from the river. They were rushed to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared them dead upon arrival. The police have since initiated an investigation into the incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda