Berhampur: Two Plus II students of an English medium school drowned in a pond at Nigam Nagar in Ankuli under Baidyanath Pur police station limits on Sunday. The incident occurred when the duo, along with three friends, had gone to bathe in the pond.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Biswajit Panda (16) of Gajapati Nagar and Abhijit Marndi (17) of Niranjan Nagar, Khodasingi. Panda was the son of a local BJP leader, Bishnu Prasad Panda. He had recently passed his Class X examinations with over 90% marks and had received several awards in sporting events.
Sequence of Events
According to police, the two students were attempting to practice swimming when they drowned. Locals and firefighters managed to rescue one of their companions, who was later hospitalized but discharged the same day. The other two friends were able to swim to safety on their own.
Panda and Marndi were declared dead upon arrival at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. After post-mortem examinations, the bodies were handed over to their respective parents.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case at Baidyanath Pur police station. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
