Karnataka canal tragedy: Second body recovered, search on for missing family members

January 21, 2026

Shivamogga (Karnataka): Authorities recovered a second body from the Bhadra Canal on Wednesday, the fourth day of the search operation at Arabilichi camp in Bhadravathi taluk of Shivamogga district. The incident involves four members of the same family, including two women, who drowned in the canal on Sunday.

Second Body Recovered as Search Continues

The first body was recovered on Tuesday. Personnel from the local police, fire and emergency services, and expert diving teams launched a search operation soon after the incident.

According to police, the victims have been identified as Neela Bai, her son Ravi, her daughter Shwetha, and her son-in-law Parashuram. Neela Bai reportedly slipped into the canal while washing clothes near the bank, while the other three drowned while attempting to rescue her.

Family Members Drowned While Attempting Rescue

Shwetha had come to her mother’s house along with her husband to attend the Mari festival. After three days of search, Ravi’s body was found in a decomposed state, and his last rites were performed on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Neela Bai’s body was recovered about one kilometre from the spot where she had fallen into the canal. Shivamogga Rural MLA Sharada Pooryanaik visited the site and urged officials to reduce the water flow until all bodies are traced. A case has been registered at the Holehonnur police station.

Series of Recent Drowning Incidents Raise Concern

In another incident, two men drowned while bathing in the Kumaradhara River near the pilgrimage centre of Kukke Subramanya on January 19. Police said one slipped into deep water, while the other drowned trying to rescue him.

Earlier, on September 7 last year, two college students from Bengaluru drowned in a lake in Ramanagara district. On October 8, a family outing in Mandya district turned tragic when two women drowned and four others, including two children, went missing after the gates of the Markonahalli dam were suddenly opened, releasing a strong surge of water.