A senior scientist of the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) here was washed away in the swirling waters of the Cauvery on Sunday.
Somashekar was on a weekend trip with his family to Chunchunkatte waterfalls in K.R. Nagar, which is about 45 km from the city. He was working in the Biochemistry Department of the institute for the last 18 to 20 months. He left Mysuru with his family members, comprising wife Pratima and two children.
Sources said around 4.30 p.m., there was a surge in the water flow of the river owing to a discharge from a micro hydel power station in the upstream which resulted in the people by the river bank being taken off guard . A few local villagers rushed to the rescue of the people trapped amidst the boulders and brought them to the banks safely but Mr. Somashekar was swept away, according to eyewitnesses. Mr. Somashekar and his family members were amidst the boulders and rocks that is part of the terrain and is visible when the water flow is less. Though enticing to the tourists, it is slippery and hence poses a danger if the current in the river is strong, according to local villagers. The micro hydel station tends to warn people in the downstream before discharging water and a siren is triggered to alert the public but tourists generally are not aware of it, they added.
Colleagues of Mr. Somashekar said the search was called off as it was dark and the area was lashed by rains. Rescue operation would resume at dawn, they added.
