Bantwal: Tragedy at Kambala event - Youth falls into pond, dies

Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Dec 30: In a tragic incident, youth died on Saturday December 28 after accidentally falling into a muddy pond at Hokkadi in Punjalkatte during a Kambala (buffalo race).

The deceased is identified as businessman Rajesh Bhat (26), son of Ramakrishna Bhat of RK Enterprises.

The RK Enterprises concern had put pendal for the buffalo race that was inaugurated on Saturday.  Rajesh was speaking to his workers after supervising the work at the fields where the buffaloes were to be left for the race.  It is suspected that he fell into the pond when he went to a nearby farm to answer nature's call.

Police said that though he was rushed to the hospital, he could not be saved.

It is said that the pond has been posing danger for passersby. Though it was fenced last time, it was not fenced during the present Kambala event. The pond is said to be full of sludge and bushes.  It is said that Rajesh died of suffocation in the sludge.

Rajesh had completed MBA from Alva’s institute.  He was actively supporting his father in his business for the last four years. 

His body was brought to his residence near Mahaveera college for final rites after post-mortem.

It is said that this is the first time that such a tragic accident occurred during the Kambala race. The race was suspended in view of the incident.  It may be resumed before the end of the Kambala season after discussions with the committee, said advocate Suresh Shetty, president of Hokkadigoli Kambala committee. 

A case has been registered in Punjalkatte police station as per the complaint by Ramakrishna Bhat, father of the deceased.