Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Nov 10: In an incident that occurred at Hakattur bend in the district, a newly bought Tata Ace mini goods vehicle that was being taken home from the show room, plunged into a 20 ft-deep gorge and overturned at around 11 pm on Monday November 8. Three persons, Vasanti R Acharya (31), wife of Ravi Acharya from Udupi Mannagudde, who was six-month pregnant, Mani (55) from Napoklu, and Mohan Kaverappa (45) from Kirgoor in the district, who was the owner-cum-driver of the ill-fated vehicle, lost their lives.

It is learnt that nine persons, who were waiting for long for buses at General Timmaiah Circle here were picked up by Mohan Kaverappa, to help them reach their destinations early.

While Mohan and Mani died on the spot, Vasanti breathed her last on her way to hospital. Ravi Acharya (36) from Udupi Mannagudde, Radhakrishna from Napoklu, Kunhambu (60) from Kolekeri, V K Sunil from Napoklu Haletaluk, M K Indiravati (58) and Vasu Uttappa (65) from Virajpet, Kamala (40) and Annu from Moornad Kumbladalu, Susheela (42) and Satish Pemmaiah (46) from Kirgoor, suffered serious injuries. Except Susheela, all others were admitted into different hospitals, including a few in Mangalore.

Ravi Acharya, working in Bittangala near Virajpet, and his wife, Vasanti, were waiting for a bus in the town to reach their work place after spending Deepavali holiday in Udupi. Vasanti, who suffered deep injuries in her abdomen region, died near Sullia while being shifted to a hospital in Mangalore after being provided first aid at Madikeri district hospital. Ravi Acharya is being treated in a hospital in Mangalore.

In-charge superintendent of police, J D Prakash, station house officer of Madikeri rural police station, T M Punit, and other staff rushed to the spot of the accident and helped in relief operations. A case has been registered in this connection.