Students trip culminates in tragedy as two drown in Murdeshwar beach

August 14, 2011

Karwar, August 14: Two among a group of tourists from Bangalore who ventured the powerful sea waves while swimming off the Murdeshwar beach drowned on Sunday morning.

They were identified as Manjunath Puttaswami (24), a student of Basaveshwara Educational Institute, Bangalore and Kitti alias Krishna Manjegowda (22), the driver of Qualis car, in which they had come.

According to sources, a group of 11 students had embarked on a long tour from Bangalore on Friday and reached Murdeshwar on Saturday night at around 11pm after visiting Jog Falls and few other tourist destinations.

All of them reportedly went for a swim in the sea early on Sunday morning. After playing in the waters for over an hour, eight among them returned to the shore to take rest.

However, two students and car driver continued to swim and went far ahead despite the continues warning. At around 7:45 am a powerful wave washed them away. One among them Trishul Kumar Murthy (27), was rescued with the help of a long rope.

After a prolonged struggle by police and local fishermen the dead bodies of Manjunath and Kitti were recovered.

A team of Murdeshwar police and Bhatkal Circle Inspector Shivaprakash visted the spot.

Later, one of the students admitted that they had ventured into the sea despite the warning and prohibition by police.

It can be recalled that about a fortnight ago, three students from Bangalore had drowned here.

A day before of his death: Manjunath Puttaswami at a place near Jog on Saturday

A day before of his death: Kitti alias Krishna Manjegowda in front of Jog Falls on Saturday

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No rift, no rebel: Siddaramaiah–DKS stage a dramatic show of unity after high command push

News Network

November 29,2025

New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday put up a dramatic display of unity at a closely watched joint press briefing, firmly dismissing weeks of speculation about a power-sharing tussle within the Congress. With the high command nudging both leaders to sit together and settle the dust, the meeting became a political spectacle, ending with the duo declaring that there was “no confusion, no differences.”

Calling the reports of a rift “manufactured confusion,” Siddaramaiah said the talks had gone smoothly, even joking about their breakfast. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to end this confusion once and for all. For local elections and for 2028, our mission is clear — Congress must return to power. There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before.”

He blamed the media for fuelling rumours and reiterated absolute adherence to the party leadership. “From tomorrow, let there be no confusion. What the high command says, we will follow.”

Siddaramaiah also assured that the Assembly session starting December 8 would run smoothly and vowed that Congress would take on the BJP and JD(S) “together.”

Shivakumar echoed the chief minister word for word, stressing loyalty and discipline. “People have given us a massive mandate. It is our duty to deliver,” he said. “This government was formed under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. We both have complete trust in the high command. If they tell me to wait, I will wait.”

He added that the two leaders had discussed strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. “Whatever the CM says, I agree. We are loyal soldiers of the party. The party may be facing challenges nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also said Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner — another symbolic gesture meant to underline their unity.

Both leaders later posted on social media describing the breakfast meeting as “productive” and focused on “Karnataka’s priorities.”

The BJP, however, rejected the show of camaraderie as “pure bunkum,” accusing Congress of trying to paper over an internal power struggle. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar insisted their united front would continue — and that there was “no confusion” within the state leadership.

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