Pathanamthitta: A Class 9 student of Marthoma Higher Secondary School, Pathanamthitta, drowned in the Achankovil River at Kallarakkadavu on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased is Ajsal Aji (14), a native of Anchakkala near the district hospital. His friend, Nabeel Nisam (14) from Konnammood, is missing. The Fire Force scuba team suspended the search operation for the day due to low visibility. Operations will resume on Wednesday morning.

The incident happened around 1 pm when eight students went to the river during their lunch break.

"Ajsal and Nabeel entered the river, which is known for its strong undercurrents, and were swept away. Four students fled the spot in panic while two others alerted the school authorities," said Sabu, an officer with the Pathanamthitta fire station.

Fire and Rescue personnel rushed to the location and launched a search operation. “The boys were said to be familiar with swimming, but the undercurrents here are very strong,” the official added. 

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One of the boys who stayed at the spot said both Nabeel and Ajsal had gone to take a dip. "One of them was swept away, and the other tried to rescue him. However, the current carried both of them," he told the media. He added that the group was shocked and most of them ran in panic, but he and another boy stayed back and informed the authorities.

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