Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Feb 6: The police personnel of Sakleshpur rural police station have launched a massive drive to search for Navin Kumar (22), who was a member of a group of students from Bangalore, who came to Devaragundi area in Shiradi Ghat for trekking. Kumar, a student of an engineering college in Bangalore, was feared drowned at Addahole rivulet on Sunday February 5.

Kumar was one among a group of 14 students which included four girls, which reached Devaragundi area for trekking. The spot is located about 14 km away from Gundia in the taluk, in protected forest. 

A number of divers, who strongly suspected that Navin Kumar would have drowned in ‘Kanni Kaya’, a spot where the rivulet is very deep, near Devaragundi, tried to look for his body by reaching the depths of Kannikaya. As the spot is about 40 feet deep, it posed a daunting challenge for the expert divers, and none could reach the base. However, efforts are continuing.

Those engaged in search operations have concentrated on Kannikaya region, as they are aware that bodies which drown in water, start floating after about 24 hours of drowning. Efforts to locate the body with the help of equipments in the possession of fire brigade, and traditional equipment like ‘Garudapatala’, also were made.

Sakleshpur deputy superintendent of police, Upendra Kumar, and Puttur rural police circle inspector, H Y Jagadish, have been monitoring efforts being made by experts and the general public to locate the mortal remains of the drowned student.