Koraput: Three school students aged between 10 and 14 Friday drowned in Narendra Sarobar, a pond on the premises of Rajiv Gandhi Children’s Park here in front of Sai Temple.
The deceased were identified as G Manikanta, B Mahesh and Manikanta Jami of Rayagada and Gunupur areas. The three studied in Class IX, Class VII and Class VI respectively.
According to reports, the three along with their kin came from Rayagada and Gunupur to attend an engagement ceremony which was held at the Sai Temple. The school students went near the pond after having lunch at the temple at about 1.30 pm. However, they slipped into the deep water while taking bath, it was learnt.
On being alerted, Koraput Town police arrived at the scene and rescued the trio with the help of local fire brigade personnel. However, the kids were found dead.
The bodies were sent to the district headquarters hospital for post-mortem and police registered a case of unnatural deaths. Further investigation into the matter is on, police said.
Meanwhile, tension mounted in the area after relatives of the deceased reached the spot. Angry mob attempted to manhandle sub-collector Krutibas Rout and municipal chairman Bhagaban Bahinipati when the two were trying to console the bereaved families.
However, Koraput SDPO Balabhadra Deep with the help of other officials brought the situation under control and took the sub-collector safely from the clutch of the crowd.
The main gate of Rajiv Gandhi Park remained opened due to construction of the park which led to this mishap, municipal chairman Bahinipati said. PNN
