Bengaluru: Man attacked by crocodile, dies bleeding from severed leg
What's the story
A Sunday outing turned traumatic for the friends and family of a 52-year-old man, who died of bleeding post a crocodile attack. The incident happened at Muthathi, some 110kms from Bengaluru, where he had gone for a dip in the Cauvery River. Though Muthathi is infamous for being a death-trap for swimmers, death due to a crocodile attack has never taken place earlier.
Details
He planned to take bath before temple visit
Venkatesh, a resident of northwest Bengaluru, was in Muthathi to visit the temple, and thought of taking a bath before that. Everything was normal till 8.30AM, when suddenly a crocodile grabbed Venkatesh by his leg and started dragging him towards its den. Terrified onlookers alerted some local youths, who started throwing sticks at the crocodile. Irritated by the disturbance, it left Venkatesh and fled.
Bled to death
When the crocodile pulled him, his left foot got severed
The crocodile did manage to drag Venkatesh for some distance and due to the pull, he lost his left foot. Since Muthathi lacks basic amenities like first aid, mobile coverage network, lifeguards, railings, security guards and guides, help couldn't reach Venkatesh on time and he died due to excessive bleeding. An autopsy was conducted and his body was handed over to his relatives.
Tainted past
Picturesque location attracts tourists to Muthathi, clearly a death-trap
Muthathi, situated off Kanakapura, has gained a reputation for being an ideal picnic spot due to its picturesque location. However, the death of 99 tourists in the river in recent years has dented its fame. Despite such an alarming death rate, young professionals and students still venture into the waters throwing all caution to the wind. Some come out; many meet a watery grave.
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Post tourists' death, district administrations contemplated action against erring visitors
After some tourists died in 2012, district administrations contemplated action against erring visitors. "The ban on swimming had been imposed by the Forest Department and we have planned to implement the order effectively as the river has whirlpools and crocodiles at Muthathi," said senior cops.