"Tragic Drowning Claims Five Lives on Maha Shivratri in Godavari River"

A tragic incident unfolded in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh on Maha Shivratri, resulting in the death of five young individuals who drowned in the Godavari river. The distressing event took place at Tadipudi in Tallapudi mandal, where a group of 11 students, all younger than 20, ventured into the river for an early morning bath, unaware of the water's depth. While six of the group managed to escape the perilous waters, five weren't as fortunate.

Rescue Efforts and Recovery

Following the tragedy, immediate action was taken by local authorities and emergency services. The police, alerted by the locals, arrived promptly at the scene, initiating a rescue operation with the assistance of expert swimmers. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire service personnel also contributed to the search and rescue efforts. Subsequently, the bodies of three victims were recovered by the NDRF team.

The deceased were identified as P. Durga Prasad, 19, Tirumalashetti Pavan, 17, and P. Sai Krishna, 19. Efforts continued as the search for the remaining two, G. Akash and Anishetty Pavan, both 19, was underway. The victims, all students from Kovvur, Tallapudi, and Rajamahendravaram, shared the same village as their home.

The tragic outing was intended as a Maha Shivratri celebration. The students, enjoying a holiday from their intermediate or degree programs, had planned to visit the river for a refreshing bath before heading to a temple for puja. However, what started as a festive day quickly turned into a somber occasion. The body of Durga Prasad was taken to a government hospital for autopsy, as anxious families of the missing students and local officials gathered at the site.

Community Reaction and Official Response

The community was shaken by the loss of young lives. Families of the missing students rushed to the scene, desperate for any news of their loved ones. Senior police and revenue officials were on hand, closely overseeing the search operations. Among those leading the efforts were Deputy Superintendent of Police Deva Kumar and Kovvur Revenue Divisional Officer Rani Susmita, both committed to providing support to the grieving families and ensuring a thorough search was conducted.

This incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the unpredictable nature of water bodies and the importance of caution during recreational activities. As the community mourns, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and reinforcing safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In conclusion, the Maha Shivratri celebration was marred by a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of five young individuals in the Godavari river. The incident has deeply affected the local community and highlighted the need for increased awareness and safety in leisure pursuits. As the search for the missing students continued, the solidarity and quick response of the local authorities and emergency services provided some solace to the affected families.