Three Bhayandar youths drown at Arnala beach

Three youths from Bhayandar who went for a swim at Arnala beach in Virar met with a watery grave on Wednesday afternoon. Police said the three victims – Avon Rodrigues (18), Amit Singh (16) and Gallon Fernandes (21) had gone for a picnic to the beach with their family and friends. 

    After having lunch at a local resort, the trio ventured into the sea for a swim when they were suddenly swept away by strong currents. "Their families say none of them were drunk but we are waiting for the post-mortem reports," said Police inspector Yousuf Bagwan of Virar police station. The bodies were found off Arnala coast late on Wednesday evening. 

    Locals say that although there is a ban on swimming at Arnala, few tourist pay attention to the notice boards installed on the beach. 

    Bhalchandra Tandel, a local fisherman said that many revellers get drunk and then venture into the sea. "They don't listen to the lifeguards and locals. We need to have a fullfledged police chowky in the area," Tandel said. 

    Ramchandra, another resident said that illegal sand dredging had led to deep depressions on the beach. "Outsiders go swimming and then get trapped in the water," he said, adding, "Every year, around 15 people drown at Arnala beach."

Locals say that every year around 15 people get drowned at Arnala beach in Virar