Daijiworld Media Network - Kadaba (SP)

Kadaba, Mar 21: Two youngsters who had ventured into Gundia rivulet at Pilikadappu in Sulliamajalu in the taluk drowned in the rivulet on the evening of Friday March 20.

The victims of this tragic incident happened to be Venkateshi Das (21), son of Krishnappa Das from Baremelu Matha in Ichalamlpady village, and Gurunandan (24), son of Sundar Gowda from Ichalampady Kallya.

On account of renovation of Goddess Annapoorneshwari temple at Baremelu Matha, re consecration Brahmakashotsava was performed from January 25 to 31. 'Drudhakalasha' religious programme connected with the above programme had been arranged at the temple on Friday. At around 5 pm, after the programmes at the temple were over, eight persons including Venkatesh, Gurunandan and their sisters had entered the rivulet. Gurunandan started drowning because of strong undercurrent. Venkatesh went to save him but he himself drowned. The others shouted for help at this sudden development. Some locals came running, but by then both had disappeared in water.

Police personnel from Kadaba and Nelyady outpost arrived at the scene thereafter. Local divers went into the rivulet and succeeded in retrieving the bodies. Kadaba police have registered case of unnatural death.

Gurunandan used to husk the areca nuts and also did stage decoration work. He is survived by parents, two sisters, and a brother. Venkatesh Das, working for a private solar company at Puttur, has left behind parents, and two sisters. Venkatesh's father is employed in Saudi Arabia. He had attended the Brahmakalashotsava of the temple and returned last month.