Kollegal: A trip to Shivanasamudra turned tragic for a group of medical students from Dayananda Sagar Medical College, Bengaluru, as one of them was swept away by the strong currents of the River Cauvery.

The incident occurred on May 27 and the body of the missing student was recovered the next morning. In a shocking development, the victim’s father has now alleged foul play, claiming that his son was murdered by his college friends.

The deceased has been identified as Nandakumar, a resident of Ramanagara and a first-year MBBS student at Dayananda Sagar Medical College.

He was part of a group of seven students who visited Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls before arriving at Shivanasamudra. Despite heavy rains and the river flowing in full force, four students, including Nandakumar, ventured into the turbulent river behind the dargah for a swim.

All four were caught in the strong currents and struggled to stay afloat. While three students — 23-year-old Pramod, 22-year-old Prafulla and 20-year-old Tushara — managed to cling to a rock and screamed for help, Nandakumar was swept away and went missing. Local residents who witnessed the scene quickly alerted the Fire and Emergency Services.

Kollegal Fire Station Officer Arun Kumar and his team rushed to the spot and successfully rescued the three students with the help of residents using a rope. A search operation was launched immediately for Nandakumar but had to be called off late at night due to low visibility and high water levels.

The operation resumed the following morning, and Nandakumar’s body was finally traced and recovered from the river. However, the case has now taken a new twist. Nandakumar’s father, Shivashankar, a Manager at Bengaluru Dairy, has filed a complaint with the Kollegal Rural Police, alleging that his son was murdered by his college friends.

The Police, who have conducted a spot mahazar, have recorded statements from the students and are investigating the matter.