Bhatkal (Karnataka) [India], May 25 : Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai has expressed deep grief over the tragic death of several members of a single family who lost their lives while going to collect mussels in the Tattihakkal River in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district.
Sharing a post on X, Bommai wrote, "11 members of a single family lost their lives while going to collect mussels in the Tattihakkal River in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district has caused immense sorrow to my heart."
https://x.com/bsbommai/status/2058578760509935691
He further prayed for the recovery of those who survived and offered condolences to the bereaved families. "I pray that those who have survived receive proper treatment from the state government, and that God grant eternal peace to the souls of the deceased," Bommai added.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the drowning incident, and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the family that died in Karnataka. In a post on X, President Murmu conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the incident.
"The news of the tragic loss of lives in an accident in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is very distressing. I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the President said.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed sorrow over the incident.
Siddaramaiah said the victims had gone to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district when the tragedy occurred.
"Hearing the news that eight members of a single family, who had gone to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district, drowned in the water and lost their lives has left me deeply distressed. I pray that the departed souls find eternal peace. This is an extremely tragic and painful incident," the Chief Minister wrote on X.
The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died in the incident.
"On humanitarian grounds, the state government will provide compensation of 5 lakh rupees each to the families of those who perished in the disaster," Siddaramaiah said.
The Chief Minister further said that some people were still reported missing and that search and rescue operations were underway in the area.
"There is also information that some others are missing in this accident, and an intensive search is underway for them. Let us all pray to God that those who are missing return alive and reunite with their loved ones," he added.