Mandya: A 27-year-old youth from KGF in Kolar district died after he reportedly drowned at Cauvery river in Balamuri, Srirangapatna taluk in the district this morning.

The deceased is identified as Yashwanth, who had come to Balamuri, the famous picnic spot, along with three of his friends — Tarun, Umesh and Pavan. He was washed away in the strong currents of water when he went to swim along with his friends.

Upon receiving the information, KRS Police rushed to the spot and fished out the body.

It is said that, Yashwanth and his friends who had studied Diploma in Engineering were employed at a private company in Bengaluru. They had come to Mysuru on a trip yesterday and had visited Nanjangud first, followed by Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill and KRS. They had later checked into a lodge at Belagola in Srirangapatna taluk, where they stayed overnight.

Barring Umesh, who knew swimming a bit, three others including Yashwanth didn’t know swimming. Umesh made a bid to save his friend, but to no avail, it is said.

Yashwanth is survived by his father Vasudev Singh Assistant Sub-Inspector at Superintendent of Police (SP) Office in Kolar, mother and sister,  it is said.