Three people drowned in a tank when the van they were travelling by fell into it near Maleshankara village in Shimoga taluk on Wednesday.
According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Bhoopala Reddy (30), Revanasiddesh (27), both residents of Bijogatte village in Honnali taluk; and Veeresh, 28, a resident of Haralahalli.
Two other passengers, Rajappa and Prashanth, swam to safety and informed the villagers about the incident. Later, the bodies of the three men were recovered.
It is said the van was illegally transporting rose wood pieces. Kumsi police have registered a case.
Published 27 August 2014, 19:26 IST