5 Andhra Engineering Students Drown in Godavari River
Five engineering students from Andhra Pradesh drowned in the Godavari River while taking photos near Eluru district on March 20, 2026. Two survivors managed to swim to safety. Search operations are ongoing for any missing individuals, and authorities are investigating the incident.
Key Highlights
- Five engineering students drowned in the Godavari River.
- Tragedy struck near Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
- The students were taking photos near the river.
- Two students survived the incident.
- Rescue and search operations are ongoing.
A tragic incident occurred on March 20, 2026, when five engineering students from Andhra Pradesh drowned in the Godavari River near Eluru district. The students, who were reportedly second-year B.Tech students from SRM University in Amaravati, had ventured to the river for a picnic during the Ugadi holidays.
The group of seven students entered the river near Veleru village, located on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border. While taking photographs, they lost their balance and fell into the water. According to initial reports, the students ventured into a deeper part of the river, possibly believing it to be shallow, and were caught in a strong current.
Two of the students, who had swimming skills, managed to swim back to safety. The remaining five were swept away. Local fishermen and later police and SDRF teams were mobilized for search and rescue operations.
As of the reports, the bodies of three students—Podicheti Abhiram, Cheguntla Srikar Gupta, and Daggubati Navadeep—were recovered. A search was ongoing for the remaining two missing students, identified as Gone Teja and Pasam Satish Kumar.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and grief over the incident. He directed the authorities to intensify search operations and assured the families of the deceased students that the government would provide all possible support.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
This incident highlights the recurring dangers associated with water bodies in the region. Similar incidents have been reported in the Godavari River and other water bodies in Andhra Pradesh, often involving young individuals. For instance, on May 26, 2025, eight teenagers drowned in the Godavari River near Mummidivaram mandal while bathing. Another incident on August 21, 2025, saw six school children drown in a water pond in Kurnool district. On February 26, 2025, five youths drowned in the Godavari River in East Godavari district. These events underscore the need for increased safety awareness and preventive measures around water bodies.
The Times of India, the source of the original article, is considered a highly credible news outlet in India, consistently ranking as one of the most trusted news brands. However, one source rates its factual reporting as 'Mixed'.
The primary cause of the incident appears to be a combination of factors: venturing into unknown water depths, the presence of strong currents, and potentially a lack of swimming skills among some of the students. The desire to take photographs in a scenic location may have also contributed to the students venturing closer to the water's edge and into deeper areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students drowned in the Godavari River incident?
Five engineering students drowned in the Godavari River near Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
What were the students doing when the incident occurred?
The students were taking photographs near the river when they lost their balance and fell into the water.
How many students survived the incident?
Two students managed to swim to safety.
When and where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred on March 20, 2026, in the Godavari River near Veleru village, Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
What is the government's response to the tragedy?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief, directed intensified search operations, and assured support to the victims' families.