CHENNAI: The mortal remains of a three-member family, who were washed away in the Palar river in Chengalpatu on Christmas Day morning while trying to click selfies, are yet to be recovered.

Leonsingh Raja (38), who owned a grocery store in Tirusulam, his daughter Percy (16), and his brother's son Livingston are among the missing (19).  Despite being warned not to approach the Palar river in Chengalpatu, the 20-member group, who were heading home after praying at the Malai Madha Church in Acharapakkam, went near the river to take selfies, according to eyewitnesses.

According to the Palar police, Leonsingh Raja and the children walked deep into the river and were washed away. Members of the group attempted but failed to save them. Fire and rescue crews from the neighbouring Chengalpatu depot arrived on the scene and attempted rescue efforts, but were unable due to the high water level in the river.

Leonsingh Raja was attempting to save the children when he lost his balance and the three were washed away, according to police. The bodies have not been retrieved, according to Chengalpatu Fire and Rescue authorities, because the heavy water flow has hampered search activities. Divers from Chennai and local residents assisted in the search for the bodies.

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