2 medical students drown in Chikhli

Buldhana: Two second year BAMS students of SR Chunawale Ayurvedic College drowned in a swimming pool at a sports complex in Chikhli at around 6pm on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Suraj Pankhade (a resident of Gevrai, Beed district) and Vivek Wayle (a resident of Pathardi, Akola district).

According to eyewitnesses, the duo visited the swimming pool with four other friends. At the time of the incident, the pool reportedly had 40 to 45 swimmers. With the pool being approximately 8 feet deep, the presence of a large crowd made it difficult to notice the two students struggling in the water. By the time others realized, it was too late.

The students were immediately pulled out of the water and rushed to Bharad Hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.

The Rainbow Swimming Pool is operated by Vijay Walekar under a three-year contract. The facility is said to employ four male and two female lifeguards. However, the fact that two young men could drown despite the presence of multiple lifeguards and dozens of witnesses raises serious concerns over the safety and management protocols of the pool. Both the deceased were reportedly good swimmers, according to their friends.

Locals and fellow students have questioned whether excessive entry at the pool may have led to the tragedy. The incident has sparked widespread concern over the administration of the sports complex and the operator's accountability in ensuring safety.