Bengaluru (Karnataka), April 20:

At least six people drowned in the Cauvery River near the Arkeswara Temple in the K.R. Nagar area of the Mysuru district, Karnataka, while reportedly going for a swim, officials said on Sunday.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep grief over the tragic incident and announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

Taking to social media, the chief minister said, “It is heartbreaking to learn that six people drowned in the Cauvery River while going for a swim near the Arkeswara Temple in K.R. Nagar, Mysuru. A compensation of ₹5 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased.”

Separate Incident: Gandhi Statue Vandalised

In another incident reported from the state, miscreants allegedly vandalised a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Haveri city.

Police officials, including SP Yashoda Vantagodi, reached the spot and carried out an inspection. The defaced statue, approximately two feet tall, was later shifted to the local police station.

A case has been registered under the jurisdiction of Haveri city police station, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas. However, officials noted that the camera at Gandhi Circle was not operational at the time of the incident.

Earlier Accident in Yadgiri District

Earlier on April 17, a separate road accident in Karnataka’s Yadgiri district claimed seven lives and left two children critically injured.

According to police, a car carrying nine members of a single family collided head-on with a bus. The victims were residents of Sirwar Taluk in Raichur district.

Yadgiri SP Pruthvik Shankar said the accident occurred between 9:30 am and 9:45 am within the limits of Surpur Police Station. The bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Kalaburagi when it collided with a car.

“Out of nine passengers in the car, seven have died. Two children are in critical condition and have been shifted to Yadgir Institute of Medical Sciences,” he said.

An eyewitness stated that the accident occurred when the car attempted to overtake a tractor and collided with the oncoming bus.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter.

The recent incidents highlight a series of tragic events in Karnataka, including drowning, vandalism, and a fatal road accident. Authorities have assured strict action and support for the victims’ families.