K'taka Guv CM condole deaths of five tourists in Uttarakhand chopper crash

Bengaluru, Oct 31 (PTI) Karnataka Governor Sudha Yadav and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday expressed grief over the death of five tourists from the state in a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand.

A Bengaluru Police inspector was among the six people who were killed in the chopper crash at Joshimath in Uttarakhand on Friday.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said his government was coordinating with the concerned authorities to ensure necessary assistance to those affected.

"I have also visited the place over the last two to three years. Our people from Karnataka are facing considerable difficulties in this situation. All the concerned governments and officials in Delhi are also paying close attention to the matter. I have conveyed all the necessary information to them," he said.

The five male passengers who died in the accident were identified as Prathapa, a businessman from Hassan, Arun Salunke, an inspector with the Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru Police, advocates Shankar Gowda and Sudheer K, and H S Natraja, a poultry businessman.

The pilot of the helicopter, Capt. Himanshu, also died.

Calling the incident "unfortunate and distressing", Shivakumar said that victims had undertaken the journey to offer prayers, making the tragedy heartbreaking.

"It is truly unfortunate. May the departed souls rest in peace. I pray that all our tourists exercise greater caution in the future. We must be more careful going forward," he said.

Referring to the closure of temples on October 10, Shivakumar said he had spoken to the seers there, including those from Karnataka based at Kedarnath.

"They had told me that they would come and receive the prasada. We must be extremely careful. We have already made all the necessary arrangements to ensure that whatever is required is organised and brought here," he added.

Meanwhile, Governor Sudha Yadav expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“I am deeply anguished by the tragic helicopter crash near Joshimath, which has claimed six precious lives. The loss of precious lives in this tragic accident is deeply distressing. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls... My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this hour of immense grief..." she said in a statement.

She said the people of Karnataka stand united in grief and solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

"The Governor’s Office is maintaining close coordination with the concerned authorities to facilitate all necessary assistance and support to the affected families and ensure the dignified repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased pilgrims to Karnataka," the statement added.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)