Srirangapatna, May 22 -- Residents allege lapses in safety, failure in law enforcement

Even as the Srirangapatna Taluk Administration had imposed prohibitory orders banning tourists from entering River Cauvery at Balamuri, a popular tourist destination, two youths drowned there yesterday evening.

The deceased have been identified as Mohan Kumar (21) of Kamaravadi near Santhemaralli in Chamarajanagar district and Ravichandra of Kellahalli in Jayapura hobli of Mysuru taluk. Both were employed at Kaynes Technology in Belagola Industrial Area after completing their ITI course.

According to the Police, the duo, along with their friend Vikas, had gone to Balamuri and entered the river near Shambu Moole for a swim.

Mohan Kumar and Ravichandr...