Rourkela: Three minor boys reportedly died of drowning while taking bath in Koel River near Jhirpani picnic spot in Rourkela on Wednesday.
The bodies of the three boys were fished out from the river near Bhattapada ghat by fire services personnel. Their identities have not been ascertained yet.
According to sources, the trio aged below 12 years had gone to the river today afternoon for taking bath. While bathing, they went deep into the water and drowned, said sources.
On being informed, fire services personnel rushed to the spot and fished out the bodies of the three boys after a frantic search operation. Their clothes and slippers were found lying near Bhattapada ghat.
Jhirpani police seized the bodies of the deceased and send them to Rourkela government hospital for post-mortem. The police also launched a probe into the circumstances leading to the death of the minor boys.
Meanwhile, frequent incidents of drowning in the Koel river has triggered serious concerns. At least six drowning incidents were reported in the river in the last three months.
On December 20, three Class IX students had died of drowning while taking bath in Koel River. The trio was part of a group of students of an English medium school who had gone to Jhirpani for a picnic.
Similarly, on January 10, two youths had gone missing while bathing in Koel River at Teterekela.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)