Picnic turns tragic for brothers Kodimaniyanda Dr Akhil and Ashwath

In a tragic accident, two brothers – Dr Akhil Kuttappa, and Ashwath Aiyappa (in picture), sons of Kodimaniyanda Raghu Madappa and Anita, of Madikeri, drowned at Chiklihole near Kushalanagar on Thursday evening.

It is learnt that the brothers had left for Kodagu to cast their vote and to attend a couple of family functions. After casting the vote, the brothers headed to their uncle Iychettira Ashok’s place at Chettahalli for the latter’s birthday party.

After the lunch, the brothers and their cousins, went for a picnic at Chiklihole . Reports said one of them drowned in the river and when the second brother tried to save him, both perished in the water with the cousins watching the entire tragic episode helplessly.

The bodies could not be retrieved immediately and professional divers had to be summoned who managed to fish out the bodies late in the night. The post-mortem was held at Kushalanagar and the bodies were taken to their residence at Madikeri. It is learnt that the last rites would be held at the family’s estate.

Dr Akhil, aged around 30 years, was dentist who also taught dentistry and Ashwath, 28, worked for Myndsets Technologies. Ashwath was also a cricketer who played for a leading club. Ashwath had strong political leanings and had told his friends in Bangalore that he wanted to vote for his party.

Raghu Madappa, the father of the victims was a graduate of Madras Christian College, and worked as manager of Vijaya Mallya’s estate. Raghu married Anita, sister of Iychettira Anil, editor of Coffeeland newspaper, and a well-known golfer.

The brothers were scheduled to attend the Iychettira therae along with other family members on Friday.