Synopsis
The Odisha government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of two minor students who tragically drowned in the Kuakhai River during a Saraswati idol immersion. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences and the police are investigating the incident.Key Takeaways
- Ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh announced for families of drowning victims.
- Students drowned during Saraswati idol immersion.
- Incident occurred in Kuakhai River, near Rangabazar.
- Victims were 15-year-old classmates.
- Investigation launched by Balianta Police.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 6 (NationPress) The Odisha government has declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the two minor students who tragically drowned in the Kuakhai River on Wednesday, according to officials.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conveyed his condolences over the loss of the students in Kuakhai.
"CM Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed profound sorrow regarding the unfortunate drowning of two students during the Saraswati idol immersion in Kuakhai River, located near Rangabazar, under the Balianta block. He offered his sympathies to the grieving families. The state government has sanctioned Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia assistance for each family from the State Disaster Response Fund," stated the Chief Minister's Office on X.
The victims were identified as Dibyajyoti Mahalik and Sikun Senapati, both 15 years old and residents of the Unit-6 area within the police jurisdiction of Bhubaneswar.
The students were in class 10 and, along with their teacher and friends, had traveled to the Rangabazar area for the immersion of the Saraswati idol.
As they entered the river to immerse the idol, the two students lost their footing and fell into the deep waters while their companions remained on the bank.
Despite strenuous efforts, Dibyajyoti and Sikun could not emerge from the water.
When no options remained, their tuition teacher alerted the police and Fire Service for assistance.
The minors were eventually recovered from the river by fire service personnel and rushed to Capital Hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead.
The Balianta Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, registering a case of unnatural death.
