5 youths held for performing stunts, damaging road; 6 booked for bathing at waterfall

CHIKKAMAGALUR, BALLARI: The Balur police have arrested five youths for performing stunts on the slushy Rani Jhari road in Mudigere taluk for social media reels and popping wheelies on motorcycles. The youths had damaged a 5-km stretch of road, causing inconvenience to locals.

In videos doing the rounds, five youths on motorcycles could be seen performing stunts on the slushy road, going back and forth several times. It is said that the youths were drunk at that time. The arrested are Girish, Ganesh, Ganesh Kumar, Praveen and Rohit, all from Ujire in Mangaluru. They were arrested for damaging the road and causing public nuisance.

Meanwhile, tourists continue to throng Charmadi Ghat, Devaramane Gudda and Rani Jhari. The Balur police have filed cases against six youths who were bathing at a waterfall at Mydadi village in Mudigere taluk. On seeing the police, the semi-clad youths had rushed towards their car.

Despite appeals by the police and warnings about slippery rocks, tourists continue to ignore them and risk their lives.

Meanwhile, tourists were also spotted risking their lives for selfies in the backwaters of the Tungabhadra river near Hosapete in Vijayanagar district, standing at the edge of the water even as waves hit the shore.

Many are visiting the Tungabhadra backwaters and risking their lives.

Over the last fortnight, the water level in the Tungabhadra dam has increased, drawing huge crowds. Many visitors are getting into the water for selfies even as the inflow at the reservoir is rising, despite warning signs. However, no security guards have been posted.