Student drowns while rescuing friends

The victim belonged to Sukkampatty near Mecheri in Salem district. He was pursuing post graduate degree in a private arts and science college close to Tiruchengode in Namakkal district. 

The accident happened while Madhan and his friends were celebrating his cousin K Tamilarasu’s birthday. Nine of them, including Madhan, had gone to Koonandiyur near Mecheri to celebrate. They got thoroughly drunk on the banks of the river. When they spotted coracles used by local fishermen, six of them got into it for a joyride, while three waited on the shores. 

The six paid little heed to the oarsman who asked them to split into two groups. Unable to bear the load, the coracle capsized at a short distance from the river’s banks. 

Madhan jumped into action and rescued his fellow riders. But in an unexpected turn of events, he got stuck in the mud. His body was retrieved with the help of coracle oarsmen.