KOLLAM: Two engineering students who were about to take bath in the river near Kalchira church Kottarakkara's Nedumankavu were shocked to death by a ruptured power line. The deceased have been identified as Arjun (21) of Pakkamkoottakani in Kanhangad's Pallikkara and KP Mohammad Rizwan (21) of Baithul Noor in Thillankeri in Kannur.

The incident took place at 4.30 pm yesterday.

A group of five people came to bathe in an autorickshaw. When they went down to the river, they realized the water flow was strong and went back up. Meanwhile, Arjun stumbled on steps and grabbed a snapped electric wire while falling down. Mohammad Rizwan, who heard Arjun screaming, used a twig in an attempt to save him and also got electrocuted. The other three ran screaming and informed the locals. The two had died as the KSEB employees switched off the line and before taking them to the hospital.

The bodies were shifted to Paripally Medical College Hospital. Today it will be handed over to relatives after postmortem.

Arjun is the son of retired headmaster M Manikandan and Koottakani GUP school teacher Sudha. Sister: Dr. Anjali.

Rizwan is the son of T Kabir, a clerk at CHM Kabir Higher Secondary School in Thillankeri's Kavumpady and KP Ramla. Siblings: Muhammad Sinan and Muhammad Sajad.

Bathing and washing clothes were banned at the jetty. Believers visit Kalchira Church only on Thursdays and Sundays. On other days, the locals do not pay attention. Locals say a lot of students are arriving these days. The locals were not even aware that the power line had broken.