Karnataka: 8 Members Of Family Drown In Uttara Kannada, PM Modi Expresses Grief

Bengaluru: In the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, eight members of the same family drowned and died while attempting to gather shellfish in the Thatte Hakkalu River, due to the strong currents. Among the victims are seven women, while two other individuals remain missing. Police sources provided this information on Sunday. According to police sources, approximately 14 residents of Shirali village had entered the river to gather shellfish. This is a traditional activity for local communities residing along riverbanks and in coastal regions.

What did PM Modi say?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and announced compensation for the victims. He stated, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic incident that occurred in the Karwar district of Karnataka. My deepest condolences go out to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured." The Prime Minister announced that financial assistance of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and ₹50,000 to the injured.

Police sources explained, "The individuals ventured into the deeper sections of the river without accurately assessing the water levels. Suddenly caught in the strong currents, one or two people were swept away." Subsequently, several individuals jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue those trapped in the water. In the process, even more people became trapped in the strong currents. According to police sources, eight bodies have been recovered so far, while two others remain missing. Rescue personnel, police teams, and local residents are continuing the search operation.

The deceased have been identified as residents of Shirali in Bhatkal Taluk. Sources indicated that the incident occurred after the river currents intensified due to rainfall in the region, resulting in several people—who had entered the deeper parts of the river to gather shellfish—being swept away. The deceased have been identified as Umesh Manjunath Naik (40), Lakshmi Mahadev Naik (42), Lakshmi Jattappa Naik (30), Lakshmi Appanna Naik (60), Lakshmi Shivaram Naik (49), Jyothi Mastamma Naik (34), Malathi Naik (38), and Mastamma Naik (60). The two individuals who were rescued—Nagaratna and Mahadevi—have been admitted to the hospital.

Was Any Compensation Announced?

In a post on X, CM Siddaramaiah stated that he was deeply saddened to learn of this extremely tragic and distressing incident and offered prayers for the peace of the departed souls. He said, "On humanitarian grounds, the State Government will provide a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy." The Chief Minister further added that there are reports indicating that several other individuals are also missing following this accident, and an intensive search operation is currently underway to locate them. He remarked, "Let us all pray to God that those who are missing return alive and are reunited with their loved ones." Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also expressed his condolences regarding this tragedy. R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly, also conveyed his sympathies over these deaths.