Five Dead in Cauvery Selfie Incident at Muthathi
Five individuals drowned in the Cauvery River at Muthathi in Karnataka's Mandya district on Sunday afternoon while attempting to take a selfie on the riverbank. The deceased have been identified as residents of Bengaluru and Mandya.
Details of the Incident
The group, comprising six people, was visiting the river near the Muthathi bridge. While posing for a selfie, one of them slipped into the water. The others jumped in to rescue him but were swept away by the strong current. Only one person managed to swim to safety. Local fishermen and rescue teams recovered the bodies later in the evening.
Victims Identified
The deceased include Naveen (24), Manoj (22), and three others whose names have not been released pending family notification. All were in their 20s. The survivor, identified as Ravi (26), is undergoing treatment for shock at a nearby hospital.
Rescue Operation
Upon receiving information, police and fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot. Divers from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed. The bodies were retrieved after a two-hour search operation. Mandya Superintendent of Police K. Santosh Babu confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the victims ignored warnings about the dangerous currents in the area. "Despite signboards cautioning against swimming, people often venture close to the water for photos," said a local resident. The Muthathi stretch of the Cauvery is known for its unpredictable water levels and strong undercurrents.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first such tragedy at Muthathi. In 2019, three college students drowned while taking selfies at the same spot. Authorities have repeatedly urged visitors to exercise caution, but enforcement remains lax.
Government Response
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to take steps to prevent such accidents. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
