Kundapur policeman dies during scuba diving training camp at Murdeshwar

Kundapur policeman dies during scuba diving training camp at Murdeshwar

Silvester D'Souza / Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur/Bhatkal

Kundapur/Bhatkal, Mar 1: In a tragic incident, a policeman hailing from Kundapur lost his life during scuba diving training camp near Pigeon Island, Murdeshwar on Thursday February 28 afternoon.

The deceased has been identified as Bhaskar Kulal (34), son of Nagu and Parvati Kulal, residents of Casamakki, Yadady - Matyady, Kundapur.

He was earlier serving in Bangalore and had been transferred to Malpe Coastal Security Police about one year and 7 months ago.

The scuba diving training camp was conducted by a Bangalore-based company called Padi for interested policemen, under the directions of five trainers. Over the past five days, 10 persons had undergone the training, among whom was Bhaskar Kulal. It is said that despite being ill for the past two days, Bhaskar was going through the training session on the insistence of trainer Andy from London.

On Thursday at around 3-3.30 pm, Bhaskar who was ill lowered himself into the water with scuba diving gear and oxygen mask, and stayed under water at a depth of about 15 metres. However, he soon felt nauseous and the oxygen regulator slipped from his mouth. As a result, he sea water gushed into his lungs and he drowned.

The body was taken to Murdeshwar government hospital for postmortem after which it was handed over to his family in Kundapur.

Manjesh, another policeman who also underwent the training, said that the training sessions were extremely strenuous and Andy had told them that they should learn scuba diving within five days. "It is difficult for those who do not know swimming. Despite pleas to halt the training session as the sea was rough, Andy did not listen," he said, alleging that Andy's neglect and apathy had led to Bhaskar's death.

Based on complaints by the policemen undergoing the training, the Murdeshwar police resgistered a case against Andy and took him into custody.

Bhaskar was from a poor family. His father Nagu and brother Bhojaraj are coolie workers. Bhaskar's wife Poornima and sons Bhuvan, a three-year-old, and Prakhul who is one-year-old, stay in Brahmavar police quarters. Poornima too hails from a poor family. Bhaskar was the main breadwinner of the family.

Bhaskar's last rites were conducted at 8 am on Friday March 1. IG Bhaskar Rao, CSP, former MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty,  M I Jameel, DySP SP of Coastal Security Police, inpector Taranath of Gangolli,  H D Mendonca, railway inspector and others were present.

Speaking to daijiworld, M I Jameel said that investigation will be conducted by the local police and further action will be taken based on the findings. He assured that the family will get help from government.