Three youngsters drown in Pranahita in Asifabad

Police reported that Zahir Hussain (22), Irshad (20), and Moiz (19), from Bejjur mandal, drowned while attempting to take a dip in the river. Irshad and Moiz were cousins, and Zahir was their friend. The three, along with Qasim, had gone to a picnic spot by the river to swim.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: In a tragic incident, three youngsters drowned in the Pranahita river near Somini village in Bejjur mandal on Saturday. Their bodies were to yet to be retrieved.

Police said that Zahir Hussain (22), Irshad (20) and Moiz (19) belonging to Bejjur mandal centre drowned while trying to take a dip in the river. Irshad and Moiz were cousins, while Zahir was their friend. Zahir, Irshad, Moiz and Qasim went to the river to have a bath in it at a picnic spot. While the three entered the river, Qasim was sitting on the banks. The three were said to have drowned at a deep spot in the river as they were not familiar with swimming. Qasim informed their parents about the mishap. The parents in turn sought help from police in tracing the youngsters.

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Police rushed to the spot and launched a search operation by roping in expert divers. The bodies were not retrieved till 7 pm. The efforts were put on hold as it got dark. Police said they would resume the search operations on Sunday.