Youth drowns in Periyar River near Ayyappankovil

Idukki: A 17-year-old boy drowned in Periyar River near the hanging bridge at Ayyappankovil on Wednesday. The deceased was Rojy, son of Reji, a native of Nedumkandam. The incident occurred around 12.30pm.Rojy was part of a five-member group that had come for a leisure trip. After visiting the hanging bridge, the group reached the riverbank at Chandakkadavu. They entered the water after shooting reels. Rojy reportedly was caught in the strong currents. Though his friends attempted to rescue him, he went missing. A joint search by locals and Kattappana fire force led to the recovery of the body around 4.45pm. None of the group members reportedly knew how to swim. Rojy's mother Nisha is working in Israel. The body has been shifted to the mortuary of a private hospital in Kattappana.