A tragic incident unfolded in Karnataka's Kodagu district on Thursday evening when two young men from Nagaland reportedly drowned in the Cauvery River near Kushalnagar. The accident occurred near Rasul Layout, sending shockwaves through the local community and among their colleagues who worked with them at a hotel in the town.
The deceased have been identified as Basoso Kunchang (23) and Yankang (27), both natives of Nagaland. According to preliminary information, the two young men were employed at a hotel in Kushalnagar and had taken the day off from work to spend time with friends and relax near the scenic banks of the Cauvery River.
Authorities said the group had gathered near the riverbank during the evening and reportedly held a small party. After spending several hours near the water, Basoso and Yankang allegedly entered the river. It is believed that the strong current and depth of the water may have caught them off guard, leading to the tragic drowning.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly raised an alarm after noticing that the two men had disappeared beneath the water and failed to resurface. Residents immediately alerted the police and emergency services, prompting a swift response from authorities.
Personnel from the Kushalnagar Town Police Station, along with firefighters and rescue teams, rushed to the location and launched a search operation. Efforts were made to trace the missing men in the river, but the operation faced significant challenges due to fading daylight and poor visibility after sunset.
As darkness descended, rescue officials were forced to suspend the search operation temporarily. Authorities stated that continuing the search under such conditions would pose risks to rescue personnel and reduce the chances of successfully locating the bodies.
Officials confirmed that an extensive search and recovery operation would resume on Friday morning. Teams from the police department, fire and emergency services, and experienced members of the Dubare rafting and rescue team are expected to participate in the operation. The Dubare team, known for its expertise in navigating the Cauvery River and handling water rescue situations, will play a key role in the search efforts.
The incident has left fellow workers and friends of the victims devastated. Both men were reportedly well-known among their colleagues and had been working in Kushalnagar for some time. News of the tragedy quickly spread among members of the local hospitality industry, many of whom expressed grief over the loss.
The Cauvery River, while a major tourist attraction and an important water source in the region, has witnessed several drowning incidents over the years. Experts often warn visitors about the dangers posed by strong currents, sudden changes in water depth, and slippery riverbeds, especially during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and are investigating the circumstances that led to the drowning. Officials are expected to record statements from witnesses and friends who were present at the scene to establish a clearer timeline of events.
The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of exercising caution near rivers and other natural water bodies. As rescue teams prepare to resume their search, families, friends, and colleagues of the two young men remain hopeful that the operation will bring closure to the heartbreaking incident.
The entire Kushalnagar community now awaits the outcome of the recovery efforts as authorities continue their mission to locate the victims and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
