Two men drown while bathing in Meenachil River in Pala

Kottayam: Two men drowned while bathing in the Meenachil River at Murikkumpuzha, Pala, on Saturday afternoon. The deceased have been identified as Jis Sabu of Koorali and Bibin Babu of Chemmalamattom. According to the Pala police, both men were under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurred around 3 pm when the duo, along with four friends, were at the river to spend their holiday. Two of the friends reportedly left the spot after some time. One slipped into the strong currents while bathing, and the other drowned while trying to save him. "The second person tried to rescue his friend but couldn’t regain his balance either and drowned," said an officer from the Pala Police Station. 

The two other friends who were at the spot did not know how to swim and were unable to help, said Palampurayidom ward member Binu Pulickakandam. Binu said the bathing spot, owned by the Pala Municipality, has not seen many drowning incidents in recent years. However, the strong current at times can be dangerous.

Although Pala Fire and Rescue Services reached the spot immediately, they could not be saved. "Jis and Bibin were unconscious when we pulled them out," said a fire force personnel. Both bodies have been shifted to Pala General Hospital. Police have registered a case of unnatural death.

Jis and Bibin were employees of Cholamandalam Finance in Murikkumpuzha.