Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 15: A 15-year-old boy died of electrocution while playing cricket with his friends near Mahakalipadpu on Saturday evening. The incident came to light late.

The deceased, Varun (15), was the son of Kannana Gowda, a resident of Nirmala Nagar in Mahakalipadpu. The family originally hails from Bannihatti village in Byadgi taluk of Haveri district but has been residing in Mangaluru for the past 25 years.

According to sources, Varun was playing cricket with his friends near a bhajan mandir close to the Mahakalipadpu underpass. During the game, the ball landed on the roof of the mandir. When Varun climbed up to retrieve it, he accidentally came into contact with a live overhead electricity wire. He was immediately rushed to a hospital by those present at the spot, but he was declared dead on arrival.

Awaiting SSLC results

Varun was born and raised in Mangaluru and had appeared for the SSLC examinations just a week ago. He was reportedly looking forward to his results during the summer vacation. He is survived by his parents, an elder brother, and a three-and-a-half-year-old sister. His father, Kannana Gowda, runs a small canteen in Mahakalipadpu to support the family.

MLC Ivan D’Souza visited the grieving family to offer his condolences. He assured the parents that he would urge the government to provide the necessary compensation for the tragic loss.