Two minor boys die in pond tragedy in Nellore district

Tirupati: Two minor boys drowned in a pond in Sydapuram of Nellore district on Saturday. The victims were identified as Challa Chandu (14) and Vakati Lucky (11), both residents of BC colony in Sydapuram.According to reports, the boys went to a nearby pond for a swim in the afternoon when they accidentally slipped into deep pits in the water and went missing. Upon being alerted, locals rushed to the spot and launched a search operation. The boys were later found drowned in the pond.Residents alleged that the pond has several deep pits formed due to unauthorised soil excavation, which have become dangerous and reportedly caused similar incidents in the past.Chandu, a class 9 student, was the only son of his parents. Lucky had siblings who are reportedly differently abled, and his death has added to the family's grief. The sudden demise of the two children has cast a pall of gloom over the locality.Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.