Five people, including four women, drowned in the Cauvery River near Muthathi in Karnataka's Mandya district after they were swept away by strong currents while taking photographs during a temple visit. The victims were part of a family from Bengaluru that had travelled to the popular tourist destination on Wednesday evening.
According to police, the deceased have been identified as Shwetha (38), Chaithra (20), Vijayamma (50), Priyanka (28) and Mahesh, who was driving the family. The group had visited the Muthuraya Swamy Temple and later went to the riverbank at Muthathi, a well-known picnic spot along the Cauvery River.
Officials said the tragedy unfolded when some members of the family entered the river to take photographs. They reportedly ventured into a dangerous stretch of water and were caught in the strong current. Despite efforts by locals and rescue teams, all five drowned. Fire and emergency services personnel, along with local police, later recovered the bodies from the river.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by the Cauvery River during the monsoon season, when water levels rise rapidly and undercurrents become stronger. Muthathi attracts thousands of visitors every year, but authorities have repeatedly warned tourists against entering the river because of hidden whirlpools and unpredictable currents.
Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the incident. Officials have urged tourists to follow safety advisories and avoid venturing into rivers and other water bodies during the rainy season, especially at locations known for strong currents.
