Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru, Oct 29: Udupi-based expert diver Eshwar Malpe has earned praise for retrieving gold ornaments worth around Rs 45 lac that had fallen into a river following a car accident. The ornaments were safely returned to their rightful owner.

The incident occurred on the Belur Road in Chikkamagaluru district on the morning of October 27, when a car lost control and plunged into a nearby river. The driver, Sadananda from Malebennur near Harihar, managed to swim to safety, narrowly escaping with his life.

Sadananda was on his way to his wife’s parental home in Belur, carrying gold ornaments belonging to her in a red cloth bag inside the car. The vehicle’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to veer off the road and fall into the river. The bag containing ornaments worth over Rs 45 lac sank into the water.

In desperation, Sadananda reached out to renowned diver and rescuer Eshwar Malpe of Udupi, known for his expertise in recovery operations. Responding swiftly, Eshwar and his team arrived at the site equipped with diving gear and underwater lights.

Despite poor visibility caused by muddy water due to heavy rain, Eshwar dove into the river and, within just 15 minutes, successfully located and retrieved the bag containing the ornaments.

Eshwar handed over the recovered ornaments to the relieved owner, who expressed deep gratitude. “I was travelling alone when my car lost control and fell into the river. I survived only because I can swim. Though my car was pulled out using a crane, I had lost hope of ever recovering the ornaments. Thanks to Eshwar Malpe’s efforts, I got them back — he truly lives up to his reputation as a rescuer in times of distress,” said Sadananda.