Bhatkal, Karnataka, May 25, IPU Media Update News: A terrible tragedy has struck Karnataka. Eight members of the same family have died after entering a river to gather freshwater mussels. Two other individuals are reported missing. Among the deceased, seven are women. This incident occurred on Sunday morning in the Tatte Hakkalu (Venkatapura) River, near Shirali village in the Bhatkal Taluk of Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. According to details provided by the police, a group of 14 family members entered the Tatte Hakkalu (Venkatapura) freshwater river on Sunday to search for mussels.
Freshwater mussels are found in abundance in this area during this season, and many locals frequently enter the river to gather them. When the victims initially entered the river to search for mussels, the water flow was low. However, the water flow in the river suddenly surged, and strong currents began to sweep through. Overwhelmed by the increased water flow and the force of the currents, individuals began to be swept away one by one. Upon witnessing this, other members of the group attempted to render aid. As they waded deeper into the river in an effort to pull the victims to safety, several of the rescuers were also swept away by the current. Some individuals went missing in the water due to misjudging the depth and speed of the river, while others were lost while attempting to save their companions.
Upon receiving information regarding the incident, the police and rescue teams immediately launched relief and rescue operations. During these efforts, eight bodies were recovered. Two other individuals remain missing. Among the deceased are seven women. All the victims belonged to the same family. By afternoon, the bodies of eight victims were recovered near Alvakodi. Bhatkal police identified the deceased as Lakshmi Mahadeva Nayaka (42) of Padushiralibangre; and Umesh Nayaka (30), Lakshmi Nayaka (30), Lakshmi Annappa Nayaka (60), Lakshmi Shivaramana Nayaka (49), Jyothi Nagappa Nayaka (34), Malathi Nayaka (38), and Mastamma Nayaka—all from Sharadahole. Nagaratna and Mahadevi survived the incident; they have been shifted to Manipal Hospital. The whereabouts and details of four other individuals remain unknown.
The Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Karnataka expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the incident in Karnataka where eight people drowned in a river, expressing his deep condolences to the families of the victims. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed shock over the drowning deaths of the eight individuals and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Uses of Freshwater Mussels:
On the other hand, freshwater mussels offer numerous benefits. Mussels are utilized for pearl production; pearls have been successfully cultivated by raising these mussels in tanks and ponds. Additionally, mussels also serve as a source of food. Seafood enthusiasts consume it as a dietary choice due to the presence of nutrients such as omega fatty acids, Vitamin B12, and zinc.
