Bantwal Tragedy: Devout Student Drowns in Sacred Lake at Karinja Temple
By Shylesh, Senior Correspondent | June 7, 2025
Bantwal, Karnataka — A peaceful Saturday morning turned into a heartbreaking tragedy at the serene Karinja Temple premises when a 19-year-old college student drowned in the temple’s sacred lake while performing a ritual.
The victim, identified as Chethan Sridhar Mulya, a Pre-University student of B Mooda Government College, was known in his community as a spiritually inclined and respectful youth. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM near Gada Theertha, the sacred lake that lies at the base of the Karinja hill — a revered religious spot for thousands of devotees across Dakshina Kannada.
A Devotional Routine Ends in Tragedy
Chethan, a resident of Kangitthilu near Wagga Karinja Cross, had visited the Karinja Temple as part of his weekly Saturday prayers, a practice he had followed diligently for years, locals told this reporter. On this ill-fated morning, he was accompanied by his close friend, Prashvit, both of whom ascended the temple hill early, as per their routine.
According to eyewitnesses, Chethan proceeded to wash his feet in the Gada Theertha — a spiritual tradition observed before entering the temple. As he descended the moss-covered steps leading into the pond, he lost his footing and slipped into the water.
A Frantic Cry for Help
Realizing Chethan was struggling to stay afloat and unable to swim, Prashvit raised an alarm. His screams for help echoed across the usually tranquil hillside, drawing the attention of nearby devotees and locals. Among the first to respond were two young men — Shravan Jain and Udaya Mangaje — who immediately jumped into the murky waters.
Despite their courageous efforts, the lack of clear visibility and the pond’s depth delayed their search. After several agonizing minutes, they retrieved Chethan’s body from beneath the surface. Unfortunately, he had already succumbed to drowning.
Community in Mourning
The news spread rapidly, sending shockwaves through the community. Teachers, classmates, neighbors, and even temple priests described Chethan as a polite, humble, and respectful young man with a promising future.
“Chethan was not just a student; he was an example of dedication — to both studies and spirituality,” said a grieving faculty member from B Mooda College. “This is a loss no parent or teacher should ever have to face.”
Authorities Respond
The Bantwal Rural Police arrived shortly after the rescue attempt. Preliminary investigations confirm there was no foul play, and the drowning appears to be an unfortunate accident. A post-mortem examination has been requested as part of standard procedure, and the body was later handed over to the grieving family for final rites.
The authorities have also initiated discussions with the temple administration regarding safety measures around the lake. As a sacred waterbody, Gada Theertha draws hundreds of devotees weekly — many of whom are unaware of the slippery steps and lack of protective railings.
An Urgent Wake-Up Call for Devotee Safety
The incident has reignited concerns about devotional site safety, especially in rural and semi-urban temple areas where infrastructure has not kept pace with footfall. The Karinja Temple, nestled atop a steep hill and surrounded by dense forest, is a magnet for pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and scenic views. But it remains inadequately prepared for emergencies like this one.
Devotees and local leaders are now calling for:
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Installation of handrails and anti-slip flooring near the lake
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Deployment of lifesaving equipment
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Signboards warning of depth and caution
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Presence of trained personnel on festival and peak days
Final Goodbye
Chethan’s funeral was held later in the day, attended by hundreds from nearby villages. Silent prayers, teary farewells, and stunned disbelief marked the ceremony. His parents, Sridhar and Radha, are inconsolable. A memorial is now being discussed by the local youth groups to honor his life and raise awareness about lake safety.
Conclusion
This tragedy at Karinja is not merely the story of one boy’s untimely death — it is a wake-up call for religious and public institutions alike. As places of worship continue to be central to cultural identity, ensuring the physical safety of the devotees must be held sacred too.
The serene stillness of Gada Theertha has now been broken by the echoes of loss — a reminder that even in the most divine places, danger can silently reside beneath the surface.