Bengaluru: 18-year-old Varun's body recovered 600 metres away in open drain

Bengaluru: After a four-hour long rescue operation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) located the body of 18-year-old Arun, who got washed away in an open drain in Seshadripuram. The body was recovered near the Kino Theatre underpass at 1.15 am on Saturday, nearly 600 metres away from the spot.

Arun, an AC mechanic by profession, and his friend Thimmaraju were returning home in Vyalikaval from Jayanagar on a two-wheeler.

The vehicle broke down near the railway underpass at Seshadripuram as the road got inundated with knee deep water. While attempting to tow the two-wheeler, Arun’s bag slipped and floated away in gushing waters.

Eyewitnesses said when he tried to retrieve the bag he slipped into an open drain, which had nearly six feet of water.

According to the police, Thimmaraju could not get help immediately due to heavy rains, even though he raised an alarm. The incident occurred at 7:30 pm, but by the time the BBMP Control room took note and the NDRF arrived on spot, it was too late.

The body was sent to Bowring Hospital for post mortem and later handed over to the family members. Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased.

MLA Dinesh Gundurao tweeted, "Real tragedy in my constituency..a young boy fell into a partially open drain and drowned. Just visited the bereaved family."

Mayor G. Padmavathi and BJP MP P.C. Mohan visited the family. The relatives were inconsolable, especially Varun's sister. "We demand that the State provide a government job to Varun's sister," Mr Mohan said.