Hubballi, June 12: A daring pre-dawn rescue operation led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dharwad Rural) Vinod Muktedar, along with personnel from the fire and emergency services department, saved the lives of three shepherds who were stranded amid flash floods in Tupparihalla near Byhatti village.
The swift and courageous operation took place in the early hours of Thursday following incessant overnight rains that battered Dharwad district from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, causing a sudden surge in the water level of the Tupparihalla stream.
Speaking to Hubli EXPRESS, DySP Muktedar said the team received a distress call around 1:30 a.m. reporting that three shepherds had been trapped by rising floodwaters. The shepherds had set up a temporary shed along the dried banks of the stream to shelter their flock when they were suddenly surrounded by the rapidly rising waters.
“Without wasting a moment, our team rushed to the spot. Using ropes and safety gear, we carefully ventured into the stream and successfully brought all three individuals to safety,” said DySP Muktedar.
The rescued shepherds — Hazaresab, Rayappa, and Hanumantappa — are all residents of Byhatti village.
The timely and heroic response by the police and emergency services team has been widely appreciated by the local community.
