In an unfortunate incident, seven girls drowned in a check dam across the Geddilam river on Sunday afternoon. Bodies were retrieved and the Chief Minister announced solatium for the families of the victims.
The deceased are identified as A. Monisha, 16, M. Navaneetha, 18, K. Priya, 18, S. Sangavi, 16, R. Divya Darshini, 10, her sister R. Priyadarshini, 16, and M. Kummudha, 18.
Police said that the girls who were neighbours and friends had entered the water at the check dam across Geddilam river to take bath when they got washed away with the undercurrent and drowned.
The girls belonged to A. Kuchipalayam near Nellikuppam in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
Police said that the Fire and Rescue personnel at Cuddalore rushed to the spot and tried to save the girls but could not. They retrieved their bodies later.
Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday condoled the demise of 7 girls and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to each of their families.