Nanjangud:  A 28-year-old youth, who had allegedly dived into the Kapila River from the bridge on Mysuru-Nanjangud Road near Nanjangud along with four others as a challenge to swim in Kapila River, which is flowing in full force, was drowned and swept away last evening.

The deceased has been identified as Musafir, a resident of Thyagaraja Colony Layout in Nanjangud town.

It is learnt that Musafir along with four others had gone to the bridge to look at the river which is flowing in full force due to rain. The youth are said to have taken up the challenge to swim in the river and the five youths dived into the river from atop the bridge. While four youths managed to swim ashore, Musafir was swept away due to strong current.

Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency Services personnel, along with expert divers have launched a hunt to trace and fish out the body of Musafir this morning.

Nanjangud Inspector Puneeth and staff have also launched a search operation to trace the body. Nanjangud Police have registered a case in this regard.   

The search operation was on when we went to the Press.