Nilagiri: In an unfortunate incident, two minor girls met watery grave while another was safe after the three friends accidentally slipped into deep water of a pond while taking bath Sunday morning.
The bone-chilling incident was reported from Nilagiri NAC in Balasore district.
The deceased have been identified as Jyotirekha Moharana (12), daughter of Parameswar Moharana of Kahalia village and Banashree Behera, (12) daughter of Basant Behera of Baligahiri village. Both were students of Class X and Class VII respectively.
Their friend identified as Ishwari Barik, daughter of Manoranjan Barik was safe, reports said.
According to reports, the three friends had gone for their tuition in the morning. On their way back home, the girls decided to take bath in a nearby pond.
While Banashree entered the water body first, Jyotirekha and Ishwari were standing on the banks, watching her take bath. All of a sudden, Banashree was pulled deep into the pond. Seeing her getting swept away, Jyotirekha and Ishwari jumped into the pond in a bid to save her.
Unfortunately, Banashree was swept away followed by Jyotirekha while Ishwari was safe.
Hearing their screams, local people rescued Banashree and Jyotirekha and rushed them to Nilagiri primary health centre (PHC), where doctors declared them brought dead upon arrival.
The incident spread a pall of gloom in the village as the girls were best friends and meritorious students.
PNN
