Karnataka tragedy: Eight family members drown in Uttara Kannada river

Representation Pic/istock

Eight members of a family, including seven women, drowned while two others were reported missing after a group attempting to collect freshwater mussels was swept away by strong currents in the Tatte Hakkalu river in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, police sources said on Sunday.

Mourning the tragedy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the next to the kin of each victim.

According to police sources, around 14 people from Shirali village had entered the river to collect mussels. Several others then jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue, leading to more people being caught in the strong current.

Police sources said eight bodies were recovered, while two more are missing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of R2 lakh to the kin of each deceased.

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