Woman drowns while trying to save sister in Kerala's Perumbavoor

KOCHI: A fun moment turned tragic for two sisters at Perumbavoor. When the younger girl slipped into Periyar river at Mudikkal in Perumbavoor on Saturday, the elder sister drowned while trying to save her. Locals rescued the younger sister.

The deceased was identified as Fathima, 19, daughter of Shajahan of Vanchinad, Mudikkal. Fathima, a degree student, and her 15-year-old sister were on a morning walk around 6.30am when the mishap occurred, said police.
The sisters were clicking pictures on a rock near the riverbank when the younger sibling slipped and fell into the river. In a desperate attempt to save her, Fathima jumped in but was swept away by strong undercurrents, said police.
The incident took place near Depot Kadav in Mudikkal. A man who was angling nearby saw the girls falling into the river. He managed to rescue the younger sibling, but Fathima drowned, said police.
Nisha Kabeer, Vanchinadu ward member in Vazhakulam panchayat, said, "Close to the Depot Kadav, there are two rocks that look like elephants. Hence, it is a picturesque location, and people often visit it."
"The older sibling got trapped in a whirlpool and couldn't be saved. The younger girl was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital and later discharged," said Kabeer.
"Their father, working in the Gulf, had gone back on Friday after visiting home. The funeral will be held after he arrives," she added.
Perumbavoor police registered an FIR for unnatural death. Fire force officials received the distress call around 6.45am and recovered her body by 8.30am. The body was handed over to the kin after autopsy.