Karkala, Udupi District: A fire incident took place late Friday night in Kanthavar Beladi, located in Karkala taluk, where two traditional Kambala huts were completely destroyed following an electrical mishap.
The blaze originated at the residence of Ashok Shetty in Beladi. According to initial reports, an electrical short circuit triggered the fire, which broke out when the residents were not present. With no one around to control the flames early on, the fire quickly engulfed the structure.
The flames spread rapidly, resulting in the complete destruction of two huts used for Kambala — the traditional buffalo racing sport of coastal Karnataka. The huts, locally identified by the names Appu and Tonse, were reduced to ashes before any effective intervention could be made.
Kambala huts are specially constructed shelters for buffaloes trained for racing. These structures hold cultural and sporting importance in the region, and their loss is deeply felt by the local community.
Local sources indicate that efforts to contain the blaze were delayed due to the absence of people at the time. By the time help arrived, the fire had consumed most of the materials in and around the huts.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and further assessment of property loss is underway. Residents and Kambala enthusiasts have expressed concern over fire safety in such traditional facilities and called for better preventive measures in future.
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