A tragic incident unfolded at Murdeshwar Beach in Uttara Kannada district on Tuesday evening, where four 15-year-old girls tragically drowned. The victims, all students of Morarji Desai Residential School in Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, were part of a school trip. The deceased—Diksha, Lavanya, Vandana, and Shravanthi—were in Class 9 and had traveled to Murdeshwar with their teachers and fellow students.

On the fateful evening, the group was at the beach for a photoshoot when a large wave hit them. The beach, crowded with at least 600 people, lacked sufficient lifeguard presence, with only four lifeguards on duty. Despite warnings, the students ventured into the water. Local fishermen and youth quickly rushed to assist, rescuing three girls. One girl’s body was recovered on Tuesday night, and the remaining three bodies were found on Wednesday.

The district administration responded by closing the beach to tourists immediately after the incident. The government also took action by suspending the school principal, Sashikala, and four guest teachers who were accompanying the students. In addition, the government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

Local residents have criticized the inadequate rescue operations at the beach. They pointed out that the lifeguards, who had been newly appointed, were not properly equipped or certified. According to a local tourist operator, if there had been better rescue equipment, such as water boats or jet skis, the rescue efforts might have been quicker.

The three girls who were rescued are receiving treatment in a hospital in Murdeshwar, where their condition is reported to be improving. Meanwhile, the remaining students returned to Kolar on Tuesday night.

The Kolar district administration, alongside the police, is making arrangements to bring the bodies back to Mulbagal taluk. On Wednesday, the community gathered outside the school, demanding accountability for the tragedy. Kolar Deputy Commissioner Akram Pasha confirmed that the bodies would arrive in Kolar on Thursday morning and would be available for public homage at the DC’s office.

The school trip, which began on December 8, included 46 students and was meant to be an educational experience. However, it ended in an unimaginable tragedy that has left the entire community in mourning.

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