In a deeply tragic incident, five teenage boys from Hyderabad drowned in the Godavari River near Basara on Sunday, June 15, while performing a ritual bath before visiting the Gnana Saraswathi temple. The group of around 20 devotees had traveled to Basara for religious purposes. As part of the temple tradition, five boys entered the river for a holy dip. Unfortunately, a sudden surge in the river’s water level created a powerful current, sweeping the teenagers away before onlookers could respond.

According to Avinash Kumar, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Bhainsa), rescue operations were launched immediately, and all five bodies were recovered. The victims were rushed to a nearby government hospital, where medical staff confirmed they had died before arrival. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and authorities are awaiting the formal reports. The heartbreaking loss has cast a shadow over the religious visit, raising concerns over river safety measures at pilgrimage sites.