Dharmapuri: A 19-year-old polytechnic student drowned in an agricultural well at Devarsampatty near Adhiyamaankottai in Dharmapuri district on Monday, with his body recovered after an extensive overnight search operation.
Incident during outing with friends
The deceased has been identified as Surya, son of Ganesan, a resident of Devarsampatty village. He was pursuing a second-year diploma in mechanical engineering at a private polytechnic college near Nallampalli.
According to police, Surya had gone to the farm well along with his friends after college hours. During the outing, he reportedly jumped into the well from the upper edge. However, he did not resurface for a prolonged period, causing panic among his friends.
Rescue teams launch operation
Upon being alerted, personnel from the fire and rescue services, along with local police, rushed to the spot and initiated a search operation. The depth of the well and the high water level posed significant challenges for the rescue teams.
Officials stated that multiple methods were employed to locate the missing student. Due to the excessive water level in the well, rescue teams deployed more than five electric motors to pump out water and facilitate the search process.
Body recovered after prolonged efforts
After nearly 10 hours of continuous efforts, the rescue personnel managed to recover the body at around 12:30 am on Tuesday. The prolonged operation highlighted the difficulties faced due to the well’s condition and limited visibility.
Police officials confirmed that the body was subsequently sent to the Dharmapuri Government Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examination.
Case registered, inquiry underway
A case has been registered at the Adhiyamaankottai police station, and further investigation is currently in progress. Authorities are examining the circumstances leading to the incident, though it is suspected to be a case of accidental drowning.
Safety concerns raised
The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with bathing in open wells, particularly in rural areas where safety measures are often lacking. Experts and officials have repeatedly cautioned against such activities, especially during summer months when people seek relief from heat.
Conclusion
The tragic death of the young student underscores the importance of exercising caution around water bodies. Authorities are expected to reiterate safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents and ensure better awareness among youth in rural regions.