Solan, March 21
Three students — Naveen Kumar (18), Pankaj Patial (18) and Ankur Singh (20) drowned in Kaushalaya river at Chakki Mor today while a fourth one, Vikas Kataria (19), had a miraculous escape.
The deceased were wards of defence personnel and were staying at Nishchint Boys Hostel, 3 BRD, Air Force Station, Chandigarh. They had come for a picnic to Chakki Mor on two bikes and decided to take pictures while swimming in the river, said lone survivor Vikas.
Initially, Pankaj, studying French at Sector 36-based Alliance Francaise, posed for pictures while standing in the water. However, he was swept away by the current. Vikas somehow managed to pull him out. Seeing Pankaj safe and sound, Naveen and Ankur jumped into the river for getting photographed, but were caught in the current.
Vikas tried to save the two boys and Pankaj, who had jumped in again to save his friends. He, however, failed.
Naveen Kumar was the son of R Chandra of 3 BRD Air Force Station while Pankaj Patial’s father was employed in 19 Dogra Regiment. They both were pursuing BTech from an institute at Zirakpur. Ankur’s father was stationed at 405 Samba Air Force Station.
All bodies were brought to ESI Hospital, Parwanoo, and their family members were informed about the incident.
