A Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) scientist washed away in River Cauvery, near Chunchanakatte falls in the taluk, on Sunday.

The victim Somashekar (40), hailing from Haryana, had come for a picnic to Chunchanakatte falls, along with his wife and children.

The family got into the water to take a selfie when suddenly the water level rose.

Those in the waters were dragged by the gushing water. However, the people on the river bank were successful in rescuing three of them, while Somashekar got washed away.

Fire and Emergency Service personnel conducted search operation but they couldn't trace Somashekar.

The operation will continue on Monday morning, said Ramachandrappa, of the Fire department.

Speaking to DH, he said, that as there is good rain in the Cauvery catchment area, the water level in the river has increased. Town police have registered a case.