Thaindian News

Lonavala (Maharashtra), June 4 (IANS) A schoolgirl from Mumbai’s suburb Thane drowned in a private school’s swimming pool after she reportedly developed cramps in her legs, police said here Monday.

The incident occurred in the swimming pool of the prestigious Cathedral Vidya School, a private residential institution at Shilatne, on the outskirts of this famous hill-station Sunday evening, said investigating police officer A.P. Rane.

According to Rane, Shibani Subroto Sen, a school swimming champ, had gone for a swim at the pool when the tragedy occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday.

“According to eyewitnesses, she apparently became immobile and drowned in barely four feet water at the shallow end of the pool,” Rane said.

CVS principal Meera Sain said that the teachers, swimming coach and lifeguards immediately rushed to her aid and retrieved her from the water.

However, she was declared dead by a doctor shortly afterwards.

Shibani’s parents were informed and they rushed to the school, barely a couple of hours drive from Thane late Sunday night.

The body was handed over to them and the last rites were conducted in Thane Monday afternoon, the principal said.

“Her parents have understood the tragedy and they were aware of the problems she was facing,” Sain added.

Mohan T. Jadhav, Rane and others are investigating the case to rule out any unexplained angle to the tragedy.