Hooghly, 19 April (H.S.): A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday as a Madhyamik examinee drowned in the Ganges in Uttarpara of Hooghly district, while two college students went missing in a similar incident in Nabadwip, Nadia district. The incidents have triggered grief and concern in the respective areas.

According to reports, the incident in Uttarpara took place at Panchanantala Ghat. The deceased has been identified as Ankush Dutta, a student of Amarendra Vidyapith and a Madhyamik examinee. On Sunday, he had gone out with his friends and later reached the ghat along with three others. The group decided to take a bath in the river.

Ankush and another boy entered the water, while the remaining two stayed back on the steps of the ghat. After moving some distance away, both boys began shouting for help. A local person tried to rescue them by throwing a towel (gamcha). One of them managed to grab it and return to safety, but Ankush was swept away by the strong current.

Panic spread among those present at the ghat, and the police were informed. Family members rushed to the spot upon hearing the news. However, there are allegations that police did not reach immediately and that divers were not deployed in time. It is feared that the boy was carried away by the current.

Meanwhile, in Nabadwip of Nadia district, two college students also went missing after entering the Ganges for a bath. Preliminary reports suggest they drowned, and a search operation is currently underway by the authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey