A devastating incident in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district has resulted in the drowning of at least ten people, including seven women, from a single family. The tragedy occurred in the Tatte Hakkalu river when a group of individuals was swept away by strong currents while collecting freshwater mussels, police sources confirmed on Sunday.
The incident has prompted widespread expressions of grief and condolences from national and state leaders. President Droupadi Murmu characterized the event as “very distressing,” conveying her deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to those injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also voiced his sorrow over the mishap, extending condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that rescue teams are still working to locate two missing individuals believed to be family members of the deceased.
Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who died. Additionally, those injured in the incident will receive Rs 50,000. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, mourning the tragedy, declared a solatium of Rs five lakh to the family of each victim.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 14 people from Shirali village ventured into the river to gather mussels, a common seasonal practice for local communities living along riverbanks and coastal areas. According to police sources, the group allegedly moved further into the river without properly assessing how deep the water was. As the water flow suddenly increased, one or two people were swept away. Attempts by others to rescue those struggling in the water resulted in more people being caught in the strong current.
Police sources confirmed that ten bodies have been recovered so far. Identification of the deceased revealed them to be Umesh Manjunath Naik (40), Laxmi Mahadev Naik (42), Laxmi Jattappa Naik (30), Laxmi Appanna Naik (60), Laxmi Shivaram Naik (49), Jyoti Mastamma Naik (34), Malati Naik (38) and Mastamma Naik (60). Nagaratna and Mahadevi, who were rescued from the river, are currently receiving medical treatment in a local hospital.
Rescue personnel, police teams and local residents have launched extensive search operations in the river to locate the remaining missing individuals. The deceased were identified as residents of Shirali in Bhatkal taluk. The incident reportedly happened after the river current intensified due to recent rains in the region, sweeping away members of the group who had gone into deeper parts of the water while collecting mussels.
Collecting freshwater mussels is a means of livelihood for some communities in the area, much like fishing. Sources said that many of those involved were experienced in this activity and had reportedly done it before. Authorities are trying to determine how many of the victims knew how to swim and are working to establish the exact chain of events that led to this tragedy, police sources added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his deep distress upon learning about the “extremely tragic and painful incident”. He offered prayers for peace to the departed souls and said the state government will provide compensation of Rs five lakh each to the families of those who died. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the search is still underway for those still missing following the incident. According to police reports, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also mourned the loss of life.
Leader of Opposition in the state assembly R Ashoka also offered his condolences after the tragic incident. The event has cast a shadow over the region, prompting increased safety awareness and a review of local practices associated with river activities. The local authorities are expected to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, according to statements released by government officials. The ongoing rescue and search operations reflect the community’s determination to provide closure to the affected families.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.