PATIALA: Two college students drowned in the Bhakra canal here on Saturday, while their third was rescued by the locals.Police officials said three students of Desh Bhagat Ayurvedic College in Mandi Gobindgarh town in Fatehgarh Sahib district were enjoying themsleves at the Sonda end of the canal when one of them went to water edge to wash his hands. However, the moment he stepped into the canal, he slipped and fell into the water. His two companions rushed to his help but were also swept away by the swirling waters.The incident happened around 3.30pm. The victims have been identified as Farid Hasan Ansari (from Uttarakhand ), Honey Tiyagi (Uttar Pradesh) and Pranav (Punjab).While Pranav was rescued, Farid and Honey were still missing and rescuers looking for them. According to Pranav, they were strolling near the canal when the incident happened. Police officials said people living nearby rushed to the youths’ rescue after hearing their screams for help. The locals even informed the cops.Sirhind SHO Rajiv Sood said a search operation has been launched for the missing youths. “We reached the spot immediately. But by then some divers and nearby residents were looking for the two students who were swept away.” He said the family members of the youths and the college authorities had also been informed about the incident.

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