New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Monday expressed grief over the drowning of five youths in the Godavari river of Telangana's Nirmal district.

In a post on social media X, Sharma prayed for the peace of the departed souls and the strength of the bereaved family.

'The news of the unfortunate death of the youth of Rajasthan due to drowning in the Godavari river in the Basara area of Telangana is extremely painful. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed souls at his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense sorrow. Om peace!' the post read.

On June 15, five youths from the same family died after drowning in the Godavari River in Nirmal district, police said.

'Five youths from the same family died after drowning in the Godavari River in Basara. We have taken the five deceased bodies for post-mortem examination,' said Sub-Inspector, Basara police station.

Meanwhile, in a similar incident earlier this month, two tourists from Uttar Pradesh drowned in the backwater of Bhushi dam at Lonavala hill station in Maharashtra's Pune district on June 9..

According to Pune Rural police, the victims have been identified as Mohammad Jamal (22) and Sahil Ashraf Ali Sheikh (19).

The police said the duo were swimming with friends when they were swept into a deeper section of the dam.

'The victims have been identified as 22-year-old Mohammad Jamal and 19-year-old Sahil Ashraf Ali Sheikh. The duo was visiting the scenic spot with a group of friends. Attracted by the inviting waters, the group ventured into the dam for a swim. However, Jamal and Sahil, unaware of the depth and the powerful water currents, were swept into a deeper section of the dam and drowned before help could reach them,' the police said.

After an alert from their friends, the local authorities took immediate action and launched a search and rescue operation with the assistance of the Shivdurga Mitra Lonavala Rescue Team. 'Despite facing strong currents and tough conditions, the team managed to recover the bodies of both victims,' the police added.

The bodies were sent for post-mortem.

Bhushi Dam is a popular tourist destination in Lonavala, particularly during weekends and holidays. (ANI)