Pics: Naveen Menezes
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Aug 17: In a tragic incident, a man drowned after he accidentally fell into a pond while making an attempt to pluck lotus flowers. The unfortunate incident took place at Badakare, Gurupur here on Sunday, August 17.

The person identified as Purushotham (35) of Yedapadavu got into the pond to pluck a lotus while on his way to the temple on Sri Krishna Janmashtami day. Before he got into the pond, he removed his clothes and left all his belongings such as wallet and mobile phone near the field before getting into the water.

A few lotus flowers which he had plucked were found right next to the pond.

The pond which is full of slush is located amidst the paddy fields next to Mangalore - Moodbidri national highway. Purushotham walked on the paddy field that had shallow water to reach the pond. It is said that he could not judge the depth of water.

A married couple who were walking to the bus stand first heard his cries for help. The locals who rushed to the spot were helpless as none of them knew swimming and called the police and their friends to rescue Purushotham. There were no swimmers at the spot and the police failed to arrive on time.

It was only after sometime that a few swimmers got into the pond and recovered the body. The police arrived only after the incident, locals said.

The body was taken to the government hospital, Ganjimutt for post-mortem.