KOCHI: Two young men, who were roller-skating instructors and neighbors, tragically drowned while bathing in a river with friends. The deceased are Bibin (26), son of Idukki Nedumkandam native Babu, and Abhijith (24), son of Pushpakandam native Prathapan. The incident occurred around 5:20 PM today in the Muttar River near Arattukadavu, close to the South Kalamassery Glass Factory Colony.

The accident happened when a group of six reached the river for a swim around 4 PM. Abhijith, who did not know how to swim, started to drown. Upon seeing this, Bibin attempted to rescue him, but both ended up drowning. Though the others in the group raised an alarm and locals rushed to the spot, they couldn't save the two.

The bodies were recovered near the riverbank around 6:30 PM by the fire force team from Eloor. They were taken to St. Joseph Mission Hospital in Manjumala, but were declared dead on arrival.

Both victims were residing in Changampuzha Nagar and worked as skating instructors in schools around Kalamassery. Abhijith is survived by his mother, Sasikala, and sister, Abhirami. Bibin’s mother is Merina.