Four people from Karnataka drown in Tungabhadra in Kurnool

Four persons, including two women, from Karnataka drowned in the Tungabhadra River near the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) anicut in Kosigi mandal of Kurnool district on Friday.

The victims were among a batch of 15 relatives who were on the return journey after attending a marriage function in Kandukur of Prakasam district.

The Emmiganur Division police said the group of family members and relatives reached the anicut to have a bath and perform a ritual.

Four people of the group were swept away by strong undercurrents and drowned, as the remaining members, along with other visitors, watched them helplessly. Frantic attempts by some youths to rescue them proved futile.

Police personnel from Kosigi and Emmiganur rushed to the spot and retrieved the bodies from water. The deceased have been identified as Dasari Sivasunanda, Dasari Ratnamma, Dasari Umapathi, and Mahesh, all residents of Kuridi village of Raichur district in Karnataka.

The police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.

The police and revenue officials cautioned the visitors against venturing into deep waters, especially near anicuts and riverbeds with unpredictable currents.