from special correspondent

Manipal: Two students of Manipal Institute of Technology had drowned in the Mannapalla lake here on late Friday night.

The third one, Shaukat, had swam across to safety. One of the two bodies - that of Nikhila Mallimadugula - had been extricated on Saturday. In spite of hectic efforts by the fire personnel and diving experts, the body of Kiran Chandramouli of Bangalore was spotted floating around 4 am on Sunday.

It was fished out by the fire servicemen and sent for post-mortem examination. Informed sources said that normally in all cases of drowning, a lot of water would be found in the abdomens of the victims. But,  surprisingly enough, not much water was found in either's abdomen, which has surprised the police and medical experts, said sources.

The bodies of both the victims have been handed over to their families who had arrived here after hearing the sad news, and taken away by them to their native towns for final rites.

The vinyl paddling boat which the trio had used in their indiscreet venture to get into water after midnight has not been found. It is suspected to be stricken at the bottom of the lake. Since both the bodies have been found the police and the fire personnel have concluded the rescue operation.