Madikeri: In a tragic incidents, two students met a watery grave while swimming in the turbulent backwaters of Kootuhole river near Galibeedu in Madikeri taluk yesterday.

The deceased have been identified as Rakshith (20) and Yeshwanth (20), both first year ITI students at Government ITI College in Madikeri.

Rakshith was from Udathumotte while Yashwanth was from Madenadu in the taluk.

Rakshith and Yeshwanth were part of a 6-member group of students who came in three motorcycles to Kootuhole backwaters for a swim yesterday afternoon.

While four of the students swam to safety, Rakshith and Yashwanth were caught in strong undercurrents and drowned at about 4 pm, it is learnt.

While the body of Rakshith was discovered last evening, the body of Yashwanth was retrieved this morning. Madikeri Rural Police have registered a case in this regard.

Heart-rending scenes were witnessed at the Government Hospital Mortuary where the post-mortem was conducted.