Rain, wall collapse: Photographer dies in Belthangady

MANGALURU: Temple festival turned tragic when a photographer-cum-videographer, who was covering rituals, died after a retaining wall collapsed on him at Koyyur in Belthangady taluk on Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as Divakar Acharya (37), a professional photographer and videographer, son of Babu Achary of Puttur. The incident took place at around 4.45am when Divakar was covering the rituals of brahmakalashotsava and nagamandalotsava festivals at Sri Panchadurga Parameshwari Temple, Koyyur.
The 10ft tall retaining wall of a house near the temple collapsed due to heavy rain. Belthangady police sources said Divakar was taken to a nearby hospital immediately. However, he was declared brought dead in the hospital, sources said adding that devotees present there were escaped from the mishap as they were away from the wall.
Divakar had kept his camera bag near the retaining wall. Laterite stones and mud from the retaining fell on him when he went close to the wall to fetch the bag.