Udupi: A 63-year-old man from Ajri village in Kundapura taluk died after allegedly consuming acid used for rubber processing, in a tragic incident reported near Shankaranarayana.

The deceased has been identified as A. Sundar, a resident of Kenjimane in Ajri. According to the complaint filed by his son, Sundar was engaged in rubber tapping work and had reportedly been experiencing emotional distress following the death of his wife around one-and-a-half years ago.

Incident reported at Ajri

According to the police complaint, the incident occurred on September 17, 2026, when Sundar reportedly consumed acid at his residence sometime between around 7.15 pm and 9.20 pm.

Family members noticed that he had become unwell and immediately took him to a hospital in Manipal for treatment. However, doctors reportedly examined him at around 11.46 pm and declared that he had already died.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined by the police as part of the case investigation.

Son files complaint

Sundar’s son, Ganesh S., aged 31, lodged a complaint with the Shankaranarayana Police Station following the incident.

Police registered an unnatural death report (UDR) under No. 25/2026 and initiated further proceedings, according to the report.

The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances leading to Sundar consuming the substance.

Sundar was engaged in rubber tapping

Sundar was reportedly working as a rubber tapper. The acid involved was described in reports as a substance used in rubber processing.

The incident has highlighted the need for care while storing and handling chemicals and other substances used in agricultural and rubber-related activities, particularly in residential settings.

Authorities have not indicated any other circumstances beyond those mentioned in the complaint and preliminary reports. The reported emotional distress following his wife’s death is also based on information provided by the family and should be viewed in that context.

Police investigation underway

The Shankaranarayana police have registered the case and are conducting further investigation into the incident.

As the investigation continues, the exact circumstances surrounding the death, including the sequence of events at the residence, will be established through the police inquiry and available evidence.

The incident has left the family and local community in Ajri shocked, with Sundar’s death coming after a period in which his family said he had been struggling following the loss of his wife.