Belthangady: A tragic incident was reported from Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday, where a 15-year-old boy, who had gone out early in the morning to attend Dhanurmasa Puja, was later found dead in a nearby lake. The incident has shocked residents of Kuvettu village and cast a pall of grief over the entire region.
The deceased has been identified as Sumant, son of Subrahmanya Nayak, a resident of Sambolya in Kuvettu village. Sumant was a student and had reportedly left his house at around 4 am to attend the special Dhanurmasa puja at a nearby temple, a routine he followed regularly during the auspicious month.
Boy fails to return home
According to local sources, Sumant left home in the early hours of the morning, telling his family that he was heading to the temple for the puja. When he failed to return home even after a considerable amount of time, his parents became anxious and began enquiring with neighbours and relatives.
Soon, information emerged that the boy had not reached the temple, raising serious concern among family members and villagers. Alarmed by the developments, locals immediately organised a search operation along the route Sumant usually took while walking back home from the temple.
Bloodstains found during search
During the initial search, villagers discovered blood spilt on the pathway leading from the temple side towards the residential area. The sight of blood heightened fears and prompted an intensified search in the surrounding areas.
Based on the location of the bloodstains, suspicion arose that the boy might have met with an accident or suffered a serious injury nearby. Attention soon turned towards a lake located close to the pathway, as villagers felt there was a possibility that Sumant could have fallen into the water.
Body recovered from lake
A focused search was conducted in and around the lake with the help of local residents. After some time, Sumant’s body was found submerged in the lake. He was later pulled out by villagers and emergency responders.
Sources said the boy was found with a head injury, which is suspected to have caused his death. However, officials clarified that the exact cause of death will be determined only after a detailed investigation and postmortem examination.
The recovery of the body confirmed the worst fears of the family and villagers, leading to scenes of grief and mourning at the spot.
Police and officials rush to the scene
Soon after the incident was reported, personnel from the Belthangady police station rushed to the spot and took charge of the situation. The Belthangady Tahsildar also visited the location to oversee the proceedings.
Police secured the area and initiated preliminary investigations, documenting the scene and recording statements from family members, villagers and those involved in the search operation. The body was later sent for postmortem to ascertain the cause and circumstances of death.
Investigation underway
Police officials said that all possible angles are being examined, including whether the boy slipped and fell, met with an accident in the dark, or suffered injuries under other circumstances. Since the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, visibility was low, and the route taken by the boy includes uneven terrain and water bodies.
“We have registered a case and are investigating the matter. The postmortem report will help us determine the exact cause of death,” a senior police officer said.
At present, there is no official confirmation of foul play, and authorities have urged the public not to speculate until the investigation is completed.
Village in shock and mourning
The death of the young boy has sent shockwaves through Kuvettu village and surrounding areas. Villagers described Sumant as a quiet and disciplined student who regularly participated in religious activities.
Many residents gathered near the boy’s house to console the grieving family. Community leaders and local representatives also visited the family to offer their condolences.
Safety concerns raised
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety during early morning hours, especially for children and students who travel on foot along poorly lit roads and near water bodies. Residents have demanded improved lighting, protective fencing near lakes and better safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The untimely death of Sumant has left Belthangady in mourning and highlighted the need for greater safety awareness in rural areas. As police continue their investigation to establish the exact cause of death, the community awaits clarity while grieving the loss of a young life cut short during a routine religious visit.