Belthangady: A youth died in strong floodwater after he ventured into River Kapila at Sudegundi near Kokkada in the taluk on the evening of Thursday, August 8.

The deceased is identified as Bhavith (23), son of Vishwanath from Kokkada village.

Apparently, a local gang overlooking the threat posed by floods approached the river, parked their pick-up vehicle on the riverbank, and ventured into the water to collect sand. The deceased was one among them and was washed away by the water current.

It is learnt that a number of such groups are engaged in illegal sand mining, braving the floods which endanger their lives. Bhavith, was part of one such gang and his adventurism claimed his life.