Karnataka family picnic turns tragic, dam's sudden surge sweeps 7 away in Tumakuru

A family outing turned deadly on Tuesday when six people from Tumakuru, Karnataka, went missing after being swept away by strong currents below the Markonahalli Dam on the Shimsha River.

As per Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok KV, around 15 people had gone to the dam for a picnic. Seven of them, including women and children, entered the water when the dam’s siphon system suddenly released water, creating a powerful surge that swept them away.

Rescue operations were launched immediately with the help of fire and emergency services personnel and local divers. A man, identified as Nawaz, was rescued and admitted to Adichunchanagiri Hospital in critical condition.

Police confirmed that two bodies have been recovered so far, while efforts continue to locate the remaining four missing individuals. The search has been temporarily paused due to fading daylight on Tuesday and resumed on Wednesday morning.

Ashok KV noted that all the victims, except Nawaz, are women and girls. Dam engineers said the incident happened because of a sudden natural increase in water flow, though the exact reason for the siphon release is still under investigation.

Authorities have urged visitors to exercise extreme caution around the dam until safety measures are fully reviewed.

“They had come to see us and later planned a visit to the reservoir. None of us imagined it would end this way,” a grieving relative was quoted by TOI as saying.