Sirsi: Five members of a single family drowned in the Shalmala River near Bhairumbe village in the Sirsi taluk on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Maulana Muhammad Saleem Khaleel Rehman (44), Nadia Noor Ahmed Sheikh (20), Nabil Noor Ahmed Sheikh (22), student Umar Siddique (14), and student Misba Tabasum (21), all residents of Ramanabil.

The tragedy unfolded when a child playing near the river accidentally fell into the water. In a courageous attempt to rescue the child, Salim Khalil Rehman jumped into the river. Unfortunately, the child's panic triggered a chain reaction, prompting the others to jump in as well. The powerful whirlpool claimed the lives of all five individuals.

A prompt response from the fire brigade personnel and the police initiated a rescue operation at the site. So far, the lifeless bodies of Salim Khalil Rehman and Nadia Noor have been recovered, while the search continues for the remaining three victims. The Sirsi rural police station has registered a case concerning the incident.

Further details are awaited.