Fifth-grader drowns in Panchagarh's Karatoya river

A fifth-grader drowned in the Karatoya river at Tulardang in Panchagarh municipality while taking a bath today.  

The deceased was identified as Rahul Banik (13), son of Arun Banik of Baniapara, our Thakurgaon correspondent reports.

Quoting locals, Ashraful Islam, inspector (investigation) of Panchagarh Police Station, said Rahul went to the river in the afternoon with his two neighbours -- Barsha Banik, 15, and Antar Banik, 14.

At one stage, the three drowned in the river, the inspector said adding that sand lifting workers rescued them and took them to Panchagarh Sadar Hospital where doctors declared Rahul dead.

A case was filed with the local police station in this connection.