One drowns, two missing in Konaseema irrigation canal

Three persons reportedly drowned while a group of four friends was bathing in an irrigation canal near Pitchuka Lanka in Atreyapuram mandal of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Saturday.

M. Manikanta managed to swim to safety, while his three friends were feared drowned in the canal.

In an official release, the Ravulapalem police said the body of 29-year-old Sk. Bilal has been retrieved.

Search operations are under way for the remaining two missing persons, identified as S. Ahmad, 22, and Mohammad Arfad, 19. All the victims are residents of Rajamahendravaram.

The police have registered a case and an investigation is in progress.