5 Drown During Temple Ritual in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Five youths drowned during a seasonal temple ritual in a pond in Chennai on Wednesday. They were part of a group that performed the ritual.

The accident occurred when priests and volunteers entered the pond and formed a circle as part of a ritual. During this ritual, the priests carried the idol to the middle of the pond. Others formed a circle around the priests. At that time a man slipped and drowned. Four others entered watery grave during their attempt to rescue the first victim.

Senior officials and police rushed to the spot. Bodies of these five ill-fated youngsters were fished out by Fire and Rescue Services personnel. According to police sources, all victims were in the age group of 18-25 years.

The accident occurred when a ritual was performed by the priests who carried an idol.