Mishap during Ganesh idol immersion, 2 Plus 2 students drown in Subarnarekha canal in Baripada

Two students died after drowning in Subarnarekha canal at Laxmiposhi area in Baripada during immersion of Ganesh idol on Friday. As per initial reports, four class 12 students of Ranibhol Adarsha Vidyalaya school had come to immerse the Ganesh idol.

The students were reportedly staying in a private mess where the Ganesh puja celebrations were held recently. The owner of the mess alleged that the students had safely immersed the idol from the bridge. However, they slipped into the canal after the students were chased by a stray dog.

The owner claimed that two students were rescued by ODRAF and Fire Services team while a search operation was subsequently launched to trace the missing two students. Later, the bodies of the two students were fished out after a long operation.

“We got information one hour back. We want to ask how the hostel authorities allowed them to go for immersion. They are now not receiving the phone. It is unfortunate that no boat has arrived at the spot which is only two km away from Baripada town,” said a relative of a missing student