Magadh Range DIG Saurabh Kumar confirmed the incident and said the villagers alleged that a deep ditch was created in the river following illegal sand mining in the river that led to drowning of the children.
The bodies of the children -- Ankit (12) and Anand (8) -- have been fished out of the river, the DIG said, adding that the deceased are from Kathar Mahuanwa village under Sherghati police station of the district.
City Superintendent of Police Awakash Kumar is camping at the site.