Karwar, May 24 -- In a heartbreaking tragedy, eight people drowned in a stream near Tattihakkalu Kalinatti Hole close to Alvekodi in Shirali village of Bhatkal taluk on Sunday, May 24, while reportedly collecting shell stones from the riverbed.

The deceased have been identified as Lakshmi Mahadev Naik (42) of Padushirali Bengre, Umesh Naik (30), Lakshmi Naik (30), Lakshmi Annappa Naik (60), Lakshmi Shivaram Naik (49), Jyothi Nagappa Naik (34), Malathi Naik (38) and Masthamma Naik. All the bodies were recovered from the Alvekodi area after an extensive search operation.

According to police sources, the group had entered the stream to collect "chappekallu" or shell stones and were moving through the water holding each other's hands. Howev...