R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala

Karkala, Dec 19: A family of three reportedly 'jumped' into a well in the early hours of Friday December 18. Among the three, the head of the family died while his wife and daughter survived.

Ganapathi Bhat, who was serving as a priest at Shree Ananthashayana Temple from many years, died in the incident while his wife Shyamala and daughter Rashmi survived and are recuperating at the taluk governmnt hospital.

The Karkala fire service personnel brought all the three out of the well. Ganapathi Bhat was declared dead at the hospital.

Shyamala, however, said that she, her husband and daughter had not attempted suicide. Speaking to reporters, she said she went to well early morning to fetch water, but while lifting the vessel up, she lost her balance and fell in. "Luckily, the rope was within my reach and with its help, I could save myself. At the same time, my daughter came there and jumped in to rescue me. She too was saved by the rope," Shyamala said.

"We did not attempt suicide. We do not have financial issues or health problems and we lead a happy family life," she added with tears in her eyes.

Daughter Rashmi said that she heard her mother's muffled cries and on checking, saw her inside the well. "I do not know what happened after that. But we definitely did not attempt suicide," she said.

Sources said that there were some differences of opnion between Ganapathi Bhat and those who worked in the temple as well as the management committee, and Bhat had planned to quit. He had conveyed his decision to his followers with much pain, sources said. It is uncertain if Bhat jumped into the well or if he too fell accidentally as claimed by his wife and daughter.

Karkala town police have registered a case.