Sullia: Bellare police have arrested a man in connection with the alleged installation of an illegal electric wire near a stream in Kalmadka village, where two youths died of electrocution while fishing.
The arrested person has been identified as Ramesh, a resident of Kalleri in Ennoor village. Police said he was allegedly involved in helping install the illegal electric connection that led to the deaths.
The incident occurred on the night of October 12 at a stream near a plantation owned by Madhusoodhan Bhat at Holekkare in Kalmadka village.
Two men die while fishing
The deceased were identified as Bharat, 28, a resident of Kalmadka, and his brother-in-law Ramesh alias Ganesh, 36, from Mungelu Mane in Odilnala village of Belthangady taluk.
The two had gone to the stream to catch fish when they came into contact with a live electric wire reportedly lowered into the water along the edge of the plantation. Both died due to electrocution.
A minor who had accompanied them also sustained injuries in the incident. He is undergoing treatment at KVG Hospital in Sullia.
The incident raised concerns over the alleged use of illegal electric connections near water bodies and the danger such installations pose to people visiting the area.
Plantation owner remains absconding
Following the incident, Bellare police registered a case against plantation owner Madhusoodhan Bhat and Ramesh. The latter was accused of assisting in the installation of the alleged illegal electric connection.
Both reportedly went into hiding after the deaths.
Police have now arrested Ramesh, while the main accused, Madhusoodhan Bhat, remains absconding. Efforts to trace him are understood to be part of the ongoing investigation.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances in which the electric wire was installed and the responsibility of those allegedly involved.