Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 19: In an incident that occurred within the project site of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd in Yellur near Padubidri in the district on Tuesday January 18, a labourer was buried alive. The incident occurred in the afternoon.

Mahantesh (28), a native of Madagundanahalli in Channagiri taluk, Davanagere district, was working in a 10 feet-deep drain, when a huge mound of mud slipped and fell on him. Although efforts were made to save him immediately from under the mud with the help of  backhoe and manual work, they did not succeed. The body, which was recovered later, was preserved in the mortuary of KMC Hospital, Manipal. On Wednesday, the relatives of the deceased are expected come and claim the body.

Reportedly, senior vice president of UPCL, D K Jain, was near the spot where the tragedy occurred, but he failed to visit the place. The labourers expressed their anger at the negligence of the company towards the safety of the workers. They also alleged that the apathy of the company officials has been responsible for a number of accidents occurring here.

Mahentesh is survived by wife and a child. A case about the accident was registered in Padubidri police station.