What began as a joyful outing ended in tragedy when seven people, including women and children, were swept away by strong currents near the Markonahalli Dam in Kunigal taluk, Tumakuru district, Karnataka, on Sunday.
According to police sources, a group of 15 tourists from nearby villages had gathered for a picnic along the Shimsha River, which flows downstream from the dam. Around 4 p.m., seven members of the group entered the river to bathe when a sudden release of water from Markonahalli Dam caused a powerful surge, dragging them away in the current.
Locals immediately alerted authorities, and teams from the fire and emergency services, along with Kunigal police, rushed to the spot to begin a search and rescue operation. So far, two bodies have been recovered, while one survivor, identified as Nawaz, was rescued and admitted to a nearby hospital. The search for four others continues.
Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok said that, apart from Nawaz, all those missing were women and girls. He confirmed that an inquiry has been launched to determine the reason behind the sudden water release from the dam.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid entering the Shimsha River downstream of the dam, especially during water discharge operations, as rescue teams continue their search efforts.
