Father awaits his son's return

Varadappa, Viji’s father, stood silently mourning his son’s possible death and speaking to police officials providing security cover to the area. He was carrying his first born, three-year-old Ajay. “I had lots of hopes for my sons. I wanted to send them to school and educate them,” said Varadappa.

He resided in an unauthorised shed built three years ago while working in the vicinity as a labourer. He later moved his family from Tamil Nadu and shared the home with 10 more family members. “The kids came and told me yesterday as he (Vijay) was drowning. I could not get to him,” he said.

Varadappa wore a dejected face with all hopes of finding his younger son drained when the fire force moved out of the spot. The only solace, if measured in money, was provided by the chief minister on Thursday night when he announced a compensation of Rs one lakh to the family. Battling 50-odd snakes and mosquitoes, 170 firemen were seen in knee-deep silt and dirt working their way through the drains. Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services B K Hamppagol said the rescue workers have been given anti-Tetanus shots.

DH News Service