A 26-year-old Technopark employee, Anupama, drowned at Thavakkadavu in the Vamanapuram river near Vithura, Trivandrum, while on a trip to Ponmudi with friends. Despite appearing to walk carefully on the rocks, she slipped and fell into the water, getting caught in the current and drowning.

The incident occurred on Thursday around 12 PM when Anupama and seven friends — four women and four men — were traveling by two-wheelers to Ponmudi. On the way, they decided to visit the Thavakkadavu waterfall at Chanthamukku. After parking their vehicles, the group went down to the river bank and climbed onto the rocks near the waterfall.

Anupama and her friend Shruti were walking on the rocks when both slipped and fell into the water. While Shruti was rescued by friends who pulled her to safety, Anupama was swept away by the current and submerged under the waterfall. Bystanders who heard the screams rushed to help and brought her to shore, but she was already unconscious. She was rushed to Vithura Taluk Hospital but could not be revived.

Anupama, the daughter of Sumethan and Priya from Manakkad, was a bright student known for her friendly nature. She was unmarried and is survived by her parents and brother Vaishakan. Her funeral was held on Friday at 1 PM at Muttathara Mokshikavadam.

Locals and visitors expressed shock at the tragedy, noting that the clear waters of the Thavakkadavu waterfall hide dangerous deep spots and slippery rocks. Many are calling for better safety measures, including trained lifeguards, safety boards, and a responsible tourism plan for the popular spot, which sees heavy footfall during holiday seasons.