Sirsi: A family outing turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy in Karnataka’s Sirsi as five members lost their lives in the Shalmala river on Sunday. The victims, belonging to Sirsi city, had embarked on a trip for a leisurely Sunday vacation.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as follows:
- Maulana Ahmed Saleem Khalil (44)
- Nadia Noor Ahmed Sheikh (20)
- Misba Tabasum (21)
- Nabil Noor Ahmed Sheikh (22)
- Umar Siddique (23)
Search Operation and Retrieval Efforts
Upon receiving the distressing information, both fire brigade and police personnel rushed to the scene and initiated a search operation. By evening, three bodies were successfully retrieved, while efforts are ongoing to locate and recover the remaining victims.
Incident Details
Approximately 25 individuals from the same family had gathered for a trip near Bhutanagundi on Sunday. A child accompanying them accidentally fell into the river while playing. Maulana Ahmed swiftly leaped into the water, rescued the child, and handed them over to the mother, Nadia. Tragically, both Maulana and Nadia slipped into the water after rescuing the child and drowned.
Heroic Rescue Attempts Turn Tragic
Eyewitnesses shared that three other family members courageously jumped into the water in an attempt to save Maulana and Nadia but, unfortunately, met with the same fate. The incident unfolded at a spot along the Shalmala river known as Bhutanagundi, which is deep, and a signboard is installed cautioning against entering the water due to slippery rocks.
Search Underway for Missing Victims
While three bodies have been recovered, the search operation continues for the remaining victims. The incident has prompted authorities to reiterate safety precautions and signage in tourist spots to prevent such tragic accidents.
Legal Action and Investigation
A case has been registered at the Sirsi Rural Police Station, and investigations are underway to understand the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident. The riverbank, being a tourist spot, underscores the need for heightened safety measures and public awareness to avert such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
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