Bantwal: A 75-year-old man who was rescued in a critical condition after being found inside a trench in an arecanut plantation at Kukkila succumbed to his injuries on Saturday despite undergoing treatment at multiple hospitals.
The deceased has been identified as Giriyappa Safalya, a resident of Kukkila in Vittal Padnur village.
According to sources, Giriyappa had been missing for three days, prompting family members and local residents to launch a search operation. After extensive efforts, he was found lying helpless inside a trench in an arecanut estate on Friday morning.
Shifted to multiple hospitals
Following the rescue, Giriyappa was immediately taken to the Government Hospital in Vittal for emergency treatment. As his condition remained critical, he was referred to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for advanced medical care.
He was later shifted to a private hospital for further treatment. However, despite the efforts of doctors, he failed to recover and passed away on Saturday.
Locals mourn his death
The incident has saddened residents of Kukkila, where Giriyappa was well known. His death has also highlighted the risks faced by elderly residents, particularly when they go missing in rural areas with plantations and uneven terrain.
Further details regarding the circumstances that led to his fall into the trench were not immediately available.