UPPUTHARA: Two teenagers drowned while taking a bath in Periyar. The deceased have been identified as Biju's son Bibin (17), of Nadupparambu in Chappath's Pachakkad and Nikhil (17), son of Sunil of Poothura in Ranni's Madathummoozhi. The accident occurred at Asan Kayam below the Thonithadi pump house at around 12 noon on Saturday. The duo went to take a bath while returning home after delivering lunch to Biju, who was undergoing treatment at Upputhara Govt Hospital.

A person who was going along the Thonithadi road saw four hands submerged in the river and made a noise. Locals rushed to rescue the children and took them to a private hospital in Mattukatta, but they died.

Bibin, a student of Murikattukudi Govt Higher Secondary School and Nikhil, a student at Marykulam St Mary's Higher Secondary School, were waiting for their Plus Two exam results when the tragedy happened. Both studied together till 10th standard and are close friends.

A native of Ranni, Nikhil lives and studies at the house of his father's brother, Kochumon. Bibin's mother is Pookulam Anganwadi worker Bindu. Brother: Mithun. Renee is Nikhil's mother. Siblings: Nithin and Nibin.