Thallapudi: A heartbreaking incident occurred in Thallapudi mandal of East Godavari district, where five youths drowned in the Godavari River while taking a ritual bath on the occasion of Mahashivratri. A group of 11 young men entered the river early in the morning, but five of them got caught in a deep section of the water. In an attempt to save each other, all five tragically went missing.
Upon receiving information, the police rushed to the scene and initiated rescue operations with the assistance of expert swimmers. So far, the body of one youth has been recovered, while search efforts continue for the remaining four. Among the missing individuals is T. Pawan. The victims are reported to be intermediate and degree students from Kovvuru, Thallapudi, and Rajamahendravaram.
The tragic incident has cast a pall of sorrow over the village, as all the youths belonged to the same community. Kovvur RDO Rani Sushmita and DSP Devakumar are overseeing the ongoing search and rescue operations. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution while bathing in rivers, especially during festival gatherings, to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
