Ganesh visarjan tragedy: Eight bodies recovered from Tungabhadra river in Karnataka

Shivamogga: The rescue team has recovered eight bodies, out of the 12 people that drowned on Wednesday while immersing a Ganesh idol, in the Tungabhadra river in Karnataka`s Shivamogga district as search operations are still underway.

At least 12 devotees, who were immersing a Ganesh idol after Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, fell into the Tungabhadra river.

The incident occurred when a boat carrying a group of 30-35 youths turned turtle in the river. Many among the group are still missing.

Five of the boat`s occupants managed to swim back to shore.Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival celebrated, in which Ganesha idols are brought home and installed with great ceremony (sthapna) on a decorated platform.

The idol is offered pure water along with libations such as honey and milk.