The motorcycle was reportedly being driven by Paras. Both Paras and Matul were not wearing helmets, said police.

The accident occurred around 10.30 pm. The duo was coming from Rose Garden towards the Cricket Stadium when the motorcycle hit the divider. They had gone to Sector 17, reportedly, for paranthas. Police said Paras was spedding and could not judge the road ahead.

Two of their friends, who were following them on another motorcycle, called up police. Paras succumbed to his injuries at Government Hospital, Sector 16. Matul was referred to the PGI where he later died. The bodies were handed over to their families around 2 pm on Saturday after postmortem examination.

Paras was a BCom I student and Matul was a BA I student. Both were studying in SD College, Sector 32. Paras belonged to Solan and Matul hailed from Shimla. The duo was living in the college hostel.

Paras was a college topper and had cleared the CA entrance exam.

Matul was a national-level badminton player. His father Kabir Chauhan is a badminton coach with the Sports Authority of India in Shimla. “We got the news late night. Before we reached Chandigarh early morning on Saturday, Matul had already succumbed to his injuries. He was very sincere in studies and was a lovely child,” said Kabir Chauhan.