What Happened to the Three Devotees Who Drowned in the Tungabhadra River?
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident, three young devotees lost their lives while attempting to swim in the Tungabhadra river at Mantralayam. Despite warnings from authorities about dangerous currents, their tragic story underscores the importance of adhering to safety guidelines while enjoying nature's beauty.
Key Takeaways
- Three devotees drowned in the Tungabhadra river.
- Tragic incident occurred despite warnings.
- Search operation involved expert divers.
- The victims were young students from Karnataka.
- Local authorities emphasize safety first.
Amaravati, July 13 (NationPress) The lifeless bodies of three young devotees, who tragically drowned in the Tungabhadra river at the Mantralayam pilgrimage site located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, were recovered on Sunday.
The individuals have been identified as Sachin (20), Pramood (20), and Ajith (19), all hailing from the neighboring state of Karnataka.
These young men met their fate while swimming in the river on Saturday, just hours before they were set to return home by train.
The local police commenced a search operation with the assistance of expert divers and successfully retrieved their bodies on Sunday afternoon.
As per police reports, the trio was part of a larger group of devotees who ventured into the river to bathe and capture photographs.
During the swim, Sachin lost his footing and began to struggle in the water. His friends, Pramood and Ajith, attempted to rescue him, but they were all swept away.
Another companion, Ragunath, who also faced drowning while trying to help, was fortunately rescued by nearby locals.
It is important to note that the group entered the water despite warnings from local police and temple authorities regarding the hazardous conditions caused by heavy inflows from the Tungabhadra dam in recent days.
A total of seven devotees from Karnataka arrived in Mantralayam on Friday for a darshan of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy. After bathing in the Tungabhadra river on Saturday morning, they paid their respects to the village deities, Manchalamma and Raghavendra Swamy.
They had plans to catch a train at 11 p.m. on Saturday to head back home. After checking out of their hotel, they proceeded to the riverbanks.
According to police, the three devotees were caught in strong undercurrents. Although local authorities quickly initiated a search operation, heavy rainfall in the area made the efforts challenging. The search resumed on Sunday morning.
The deceased were students pursuing their degrees and were from Javagallu in Hassan district of Karnataka.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of awareness and adherence to safety guidelines in pilgrimage and recreational activities. This tragic incident serves as a reminder that caution must always be exercised, especially in natural water bodies. We stand in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the circumstances of the drowning?
The three devotees drowned while swimming in the Tungabhadra river despite warnings about strong currents from local authorities.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place at the Mantralayam pilgrimage centre in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
Who were the victims?
The victims were identified as Sachin (20), Pramood (20), and Ajith (19), all from Karnataka.
What rescue efforts were made?
Local police launched a search operation with expert divers, but heavy rain complicated the efforts.
What safety measures should be observed near rivers?
Always heed local warnings, avoid swimming in strong currents, and ensure you have a buddy system in place.
