Two college students drown at Aksa beach

Spending a fun time at Aksa Beach in Malad West on Monday proved costly for a five-member group of college students. Two of the students drowned, one is hospitalised and one is still missing.

According to the Malwani police, around 3.30 pm, five friends identified as Deepshikha Gupta, 20, Hemant Sharma, 22, Monika Fernandez, 21, Shekhar Gaikwad, 22 and another friend had gone to Aksa beach for swimming. The students are residents of Virar, Kalina in Santacruz and Marol in Andheri.

"Gupta, Sharma, Fernandes and Gaikwad ventured in the waters, while their fifth friend waited outside with their belongings. The four did not realise the depth of the water, and were dragged inside by a strong current," said an officer from Malwani police station.

He added that as the students were shouting for help, their fifth friend informed locals and lifeguards. Then the police were informed. The fire brigade received a call half an hour after the incident, and rushed to the spot.

"Gupta and Sharma died due to drowning and their bodies were fished out, while Fernandez has been taken to INS Hamla Hospital. Gaikwad is still missing and efforts are on to find him," the officer said.

The Malwani police have registered an accidental death case in the matter.