India, May 25 -- BIDAR Ten members of a family drowned while one was reported missing after a group of 14 people attempting to collect freshwater shells was swept away by strong currents near the Palli Hallu Venkchapur river in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, police said on Sunday.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced a solatium of Rs.5 lakh to the next to the kin of each victim. He added that intensive search operations were underway for the missing person. "I was deeply distressed to learn about the incident. I pray that the departed souls rest in peace. This is an extremely unfortunate and painful tragedy," Siddaramaiah said, adding, "We all pray that the missing persons return safely and reunite with their families."

"The inci...