MYSURU: A worker engaged in unclogging the Nugu canal died after being washed away in gushing water in Moththa village of Nanjangud on Monday. His body was retrieved on Tuesday, police said
Hanumaiah, 48, of Heggadahalli was one among the three workers hired by the irrigation department to unclog the underground canal at the village. As the taluk witnessed heavy rain for the last four days, trash got collected at the mouth of the underground canal.
Hanumaiah and two others commenced work post noon. As they cleared a part of the canal, water gushed in. Hanumaiah had tied a rope around his waist which got loosened and he was washed away.
Authorities had to struggle to retrieve his body as the water was flowing continuously. Water was diverted to a nearby land and then motor pumps were used to drain water from the canal before retrieving the body.
Hanumaiah's family accused the irrigation officials of negligence. They withdrew their protest when authorities announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh, Nanjangud police said.
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