A first-year engineering student from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla drowned while bathing in the power channel of the Hirakud dam today.
The deceased student, identified as Priyanshu Prakash Behera (19), is the only son of Sanjay Kumar Behera of Sensahi village under Bhuban PS limits in Dhenkanal. He was pursuing civil engineering at VSSUT.
The unfortunate event took place when Priyanshu, along with three of his classmates, had gone to take bath in the channel. While bathing, Priyanshu was swept into deeper water.
As per sources, two local youths pulled Priyanshu out of the water, and he was taken to VIMSAR, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the university community, and authorities are urging students to exercise caution near water bodies.
