A 16-year-old national bravery award winner and his cousin died in a road accident in Odisha on Saturday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep shock over their deaths.
The accident took place near Jarimula in the state's Kendrapara district, police said on Friday evening.
"Situ Mallick and his cousin Bapu Mallick were on the bike and were crushed under the wheels of a speeding truck," a police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Mr Patnaik announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the relatives and conveyed deep sympathy to the families.
BJP National Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda also expressed condolences.
"Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of young Situ Mallick & his cousin Bapu in a tragic road accident. A National Bravery Award recipient from my Kendrapada, Situ had saved his uncle from a crocodile attack last year. My condolences & prayers for the family. Om Shanti," he tweeted.
In February last year, Situ Mallick had saved the life of his uncle Binod Mallick from the clutches of a crocodile which had sneaked into the village pond. Showing exemplary courage and bravery, he immediately picked up a bamboo stick, dealing a blow on the animal's forehead. The reptile, jolted by the sudden attack, left his uncle to slip into the waters again.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
"Took Advantage Of His Addiction": 5 Charged Over Matthew Perry's Death Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Ukraine, Russia Both Claim Advances In Kursk Region Gaza Ceasefire Talks Underway In Qatar As Deaths Top 40,000 Trump To Hold Press Conference, His Campaign Adds Senior Advisers Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.