The picturesque Muthathi, near Malavalli in Mandya district, that claimed three young lives on Sunday, is turning into a death trap.
This picnic spot, which attracts at least four lakh tourists every year, has claimed over 120 lives since 2010 and most of them are youngsters. This, in spite of there being a swimming ban.
Those who drowned on Sunday were all from Bengaluru and had gone to spend their weekend there. The victims were identified as Santosh (21), Prasanna (23) and Vijay (26). They were part of an 11-member team.
R. Shivakumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Malavalli subdivision), told The Hindu that while the others were playing on the banks of the Cauvery, the victims tried to cross the river near Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp, and drowned.
While the police recovered two bodies, the search for Santosh is on. Their friends told the police on Monday that the trio were not aware of the strong undercurrents and were swept away swiftly. Also, they did not pay heed to the warning board installed nearby, which lists the number of drowning incidents at the spot.
Swift currents
Swift currents and people venturing into the river after consuming liquor are said to be the reasons for the growing number of drowning incidents.
Lack of safety
Following a series of tragic deaths, the Police Department banned swimming at Muthathi a few years back. The picnic spot lacks safety measures such as lifeguards, ambulances, emergency healthcare services, life jackets and rescue boats.
The Malavalli subdivision police will intensify patrolling in the area to curb such incidents, Mr. Shivakumar said.The Forest Department and Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. too should take responsibility to prevent such incidents, another officer said.
