Tragic Picnic at Karnataka's Markonahalli Dam: 7 Swept Away in Sudden Water Release, 1 Rescued

A devastating incident occurred at Karnataka's Markonahalli Dam when six individuals from Tumakuru were carried away by strong water currents during what was meant to be a pleasant holiday outing.

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday when approximately 15 people visited the dam for a recreational picnic. According to Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok KV, seven members of the group, including women and children, entered the water just before the dam's siphon system unexpectedly released water, creating a powerful current.

All seven individuals were swept away by the sudden rush of water. Emergency response teams comprising police and fire department personnel quickly arrived at the scene. One man, identified as Nawaz, was successfully rescued and subsequently transported to Adichunchanagiri Hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that two bodies have been recovered thus far, while search operations continue for four people still missing. The search efforts were temporarily suspended and scheduled to resume Wednesday morning.

SP Ashok KV stated that all victims, with the exception of Nawaz, are females, including women and young girls.

Dam engineers attributed the incident to a sudden natural increase in water flow, though a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the precise cause behind the siphon system's activation.

The recovered bodies have been transported to Adichunchanagiri Hospital for post-mortem examination and identification procedures.