Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 31: Three persons have been arrested in connection with the tragic boat capsize incident that occurred in the Swarna river near Kodibengre, under the limits of Kota police station, in which three young passengers lost their lives.
The arrested are identified as Suhas Shreeyan (23), Sufiyan (20), and Vasu Mendan (52), all residents of Kodibengre, Kodi village, Brahmavar taluk, Udupi.
According to the complaint, on January 26 at around 10.45 am, the complainant Gurupasad (34) from Mysuru, along with 28 others, was sent on a boating trip by the accused, Suhas, in two separate boats. One boat carried 14 passengers, while the other carried 15.
At around 11.15 am, while the complainant and others were travelling in a boat named “The Wave Rider” near Alivebagilu in Kodibengre village of Brahmavar taluk, the boat drivers, Sufiyan and Vasu, allegedly operated the boat in a careless and negligent manner. The boat was suddenly turned sharply to the left, causing it to lose balance and capsize.
As a result, all 14 passengers on board fell into the river. Among them, Shankarappa (27), Sindhu P (23), and Deesha (26) drowned and died, while the remaining passengers narrowly escaped death.
Based on the complaint, Malpe police had initially registered a case.
During the investigation, police found that the accused had not obtained permission from the Tourism Department to operate the boat service. Further, the boat did not possess any certification declaring it fit for tourist boating activities.
Investigators also revealed that the boat used in the incident was not suitable for tourism purposes. Moreover, no safety measures, including the provision of life jackets, were followed while carrying passengers.
As the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Kota police station, the case was later transferred from Malpe police to Kota police.
The accused have been arrested and produced before the court.
Further investigation is underway.