Mandi, Himachal Pradesh (June 08, 2014): At least 20 Engineering students from Hyderabad were feared washed away by the Beas river near Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, officials said.

The students who had entered the river were caught off-guard as water was suddenly released into the river from Laarji Hydropower Project, Zee News reorted.

DGP Himachal Pradesh confirmed the incident to news channels, adding that search and rescue operations were on. The mishap has forced authorities to close the Kullu-Manali Highway.