Karnataka: Man pushed into crocodile-infested river by wife, escapes miraculously

A shocking incident from Gurjapur barrage in Karnataka’s Shaktinagar area has taken a dramatic turn. An elderly man, referred to as Tatappa, was allegedly pushed into the river by his wife, Gaddemma. The incident occurred in an area notorious for crocodile sightings—one of which was even spotted resting on the very rock where Tatappa found momentary safety after the fall.

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According to the family, Gaddemma allegedly pushed Tatappa into the river under the pretext of a casual walk, and then reportedly stood on the barrage and waved her slipper mockingly. Locals later revealed that crocodiles are known to lie in wait in this river stretch, making Tatappa’s survival all the more miraculous. The family further claimed that Gaddemma had never been interested in the marriage, stating just 15 days after their wedding that she was unhappy.

A deeper twist emerged when Tatappa’s brother revealed a 35-year-old grudge between both families, suggesting the marriage was a failed attempt at reconciliation. Following the incident, both families agreed to a separation, returned wedding gifts, and annulled the relationship through village panchayat intervention.

Meanwhile, forest officials have confirmed that crocodile activity in the barrage area is high, making the incident not just domestic drama but a narrowly averted wildlife tragedy as well.