A tragic incident was reported from Chikkamagaluru district, where a 27-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru drowned in the Bhadra river near Balehonnur.

Techie slips into river during outing

The deceased, identified as Abhishek, was a native of Gadag and was working as a software professional in Bengaluru. He had travelled to Balehonnur along with eight friends to attend a wedding and was staying at a local homestay.

According to reports, the group had gone to the riverside to watch the sunset while sitting on a rock. During this time, Abhishek reportedly attempted to enter the river for a swim. However, he lost his balance and fell into the water, leading to the fatal incident.

Rescue teams launch search operation

Following the incident, local police and personnel from the fire and emergency services rushed to the spot and initiated a search operation. Local divers, including Tangavelu from Holebagilu and Chandrashekar Rai from Khandya, assisted in the efforts.

After hours of searching, the body was recovered on Monday.

Safety concerns around river visits

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with entering rivers, especially in unfamiliar or potentially unsafe locations. Authorities have repeatedly advised visitors to exercise caution near water bodies and avoid venturing into rivers without proper safety measures.

With tourist footfall increasing in scenic locations like Balehonnur, officials stress the importance of awareness and preventive measures to avoid such tragedies.

Community mourns young life lost

The untimely death of the young professional has left family, friends, and colleagues in shock. Locals and authorities have expressed condolences, urging greater caution during outings near rivers and other natural sites.