A 28-year-old history-sheeter, Vale Rama, drowned in city's Jakkur lake with one of his associates in the early hours of Friday.
Rama, who has several cases against him in the Bangalore north division, had gone fishing in the lake with four of his associates in the night. The five went in coracle against the advice of the fishermen and boatmen. While the coracle reached the middle of the lake, the occupants noticed a snake in the waters and got scared. During the commotion that ensued, the coracle capsized, police said. While the three of them managed to swim to safety, Rama and one of his associates, who were reportedly under the influence of alcohol, could not swim and drowned. People rushed to their help and began a search operation in the morning and recovered the bodies. The Yelahanka New Town police have taken up a case of unnatural death and are investigating.