Sambalpur: A final-year B.Tech student of VSS University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, drowned at the zero point of the dyke on Thursday evening, despite an existing ban on bathing at the location.
The deceased, Saswati Bhoi from Bargarh, was bathing with her friends when she reportedly slipped and fell into deep water. Though her friends managed to retrieve her quickly, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at VSS Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR).
“The body is currently at VIMSAR. Her family in Bargarh has been informed, and the body will be handed over after an autopsy tomorrow,” said IIC, Burla police station, Soumyakanta Baliarsingh.
Police sources revealed that students visited the spot to seek relief from the scorching heat. The VSSUT administration had recently prohibited students from visiting six vulnerable locations, including the zero point, following the death of a first-year student on March 13.