Amit Dube, a class IX student of Andhra Association School in Rashbehari Avenue, had come to the Gwalior Ghat of Hooghly river under the South Port police station along with his teachers and schoolmates when the incident took place.

As they were immersing the idol, three students — Amit, Viki Sahu and Pradip Kumar Sahu — were swept away by a high tide, police said.

“We immediately pressed our men, who were present at the spot, into service to rescue the children. A search operation began and the team managed to rescue Viki and Pradip, but Amit could not be traced,” said DC Port, Anand Kumar.

“In such a tide, one cannot survive for long,” said a senior officer.

Hearing the news, Amit’s parents — Bachha Dube and Uma Devi — rushed to the spot. “Police will continue the search operation, though they are almost certain that Amit drowned in the river,” said a teacher of the school.

The father of the deceased was not in a position to speak. “I have lost my son. Please do not bother me,” was all he could say.