Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Sep 20: A young man who entered River Sauparnika for swimming on Sunday at Movadi village in the taluk was washed away by the force of the river. The victim was Mahendra (24), residing near Holy Cross church, Kodapady in Gujjadii village near Gangolli.

Mahendra was sitting under the Movadi bridge in Trasi on Sunday September 19 along with Ashique (20) from Kodapady and Sharat (25) from Anagodu village. Mahendra and Ashique ventured into the river to swim. As soon as he stepped into the river water, Mahendra was dragged by the strong undercurrents of the river. Ashique was also in grave danger. Locals Ranakar Kanchan and Yogendra Kanchan rescued him.

Fire brigade personnel, staff of Gangolli police station and locals began a search operation in the river with the help of boats but till Sunday night, Mahendra remained untraced. Gangolli police sub-inspector, Nanja Naik and others are camping at the spot to guide the search operation.

The above three friends had visited Movadi to enjoy the holiday on Sunday in a leisurely manner. It is learnt that the river is very deep at the spot where the two entered the river. Ashique narrowly escaped from death as he was rescued in the nick of time.