Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: A New Year outing turned tragic on Tuesday afternoon when two students of a private coaching institute drowned while bathing in the Kuakhai river on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The deceased have been identified as Pankaj Kumar Saha and Prateek Pallaru, both aged around 18 and natives of states outside Odisha. The duo had come to Bhubaneswar to prepare for the upcoming Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main).

According to officials, the coaching institute had organised a picnic on the banks of the river in the Jaripatna area. During the event, the two students reportedly entered the river for a bath but were swept away by the high current. Despite efforts, they could not be rescued in time.

The incident has raised concerns about safety measures during such outings, especially when conducted near water bodies. Local residents pointed out that the Kuakhai river, known for its unpredictable currents, has witnessed several drowning cases in the past.

Police have initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. “We are verifying details of the picnic arrangements and whether adequate precautions were taken,” a senior officer said.

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The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway, he added.

The coaching institute has expressed shock over the incident, while parents and fellow students have been left devastated.

As Bhubaneswar continues to attract students from across the country for competitive exam preparation, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety awareness and supervision during group outings.