Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 27: A youth from Bangalore, who had been deputed for office work to the coast, drowned at Malpe beach on Sunday June 26 morning. Till evening, he could not be found.

The youth, who went missing in this fashion, has been identified as Chennaiah Vodeyar (21), a native of Bangalore. He was working for Vodafone Towers transport company, having headquarters at Nelamangala near Bangalore, since about an year. Chennaiah was originally from Ghataparti of Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district. He was accompanied by Raju, also an employee of the company and driver of the vehicle, who is the resident of H S P Extension Bangalore.

The two went to Kumta from Bangalore on Friday. While returning, they had some company-related work at Mallar village in Kaup. After this work was over, they went to visit Malpe beach.

Both of them were playing in sea water, when Chennaiah slipped because of strong waves, and was swept away, it is learnt. Those who saw the incident passed on information to the police. Local divers rushed for rescue, but the youth could not be found. The operation launched to search for the youth is facing problems because of inclement weather and choppy sea.

The policemen, who said that the chances of survival of the youth are very bleak, have continued with the search operation. On a complaint made by Raju, a case was registered in Malpe police station.