Bhatkal: A laborer lost his life after drowning in the Venkatapur river near Sharali NH-66 in the taluk.

The deceased is identified as Venkataraman Nagappa Gonda (51), a resident of Venkatapur.

It is reported that Venkataraman had been to river on Saturday to take bath after his daily work. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell in the river and disappeared. Locals had been searching for him in the river since yesterday, but were unable to trace him. His body was found floating in the river on Sunday evening.

As soon as the body was reported to have been recovered from the river, Bhatkal rural Police rushed to the spot and conducted necessary investigation. The body was then shifted to Bhatkal Government Hospital.

 Further investigation is underway.