Byndoor: Two persons on a visit near Konamakki bridge near here tragically drowned on Sunday, September 2nd. The deceased have been identified as Raju Naik (27), son of Sathish Naik from Khargadde in Bhatkal, and Zameer Sheikh (22), son of Imam Saheb. Both were neighbours at Bhatkal.

A picnic was by an auto rickshaw and motor bikes to Konamakki near Shirur planned by seven friends to celebrate the acquisition of a new motor bike by one of them. They also had brought with them food for the night.

On reaching the river, Raju Naik first ventured into it and was swimming when he got caught in a whirlpool. Immediately, Zameer Sheikh rushed to help his friend but in his attempt to rescue he became prey to the very same current. All attempts by the remaining friends to rescue the deceased turned futile. Both soon met their watery demise.

A team of divers from Shirur later recovered the mortal remains of the deceased. It is learnt that Raju Naik was married with two children, while Zameer was a student.

According to sources, Konamakki River is a dangerous river to swim in and the danger only exacerbates during rainy season. It is said that there is a huge well in the middle of the river that is invisible. Warning sign asking visitors not to swim in the river has been planted there.

So far, about ten people including three locals who ventured into the river here have lost their lives, inform the locals.

A case about this incident was registered in Byndoor police station. Byndoor station house officer, Thimmesh, and other personnel visited to the spot and conducted verification.