Kodagu Coffee Planter Killed as Tree Branch Falls During Heavy Rain in Maldare

The deceased has been identified as 64-year-old Ponnachanda Vishnu Belliappa, a former Gram Panchayat member and long-time resident of Maldare.

VIRAJPET: In a tragic incident reported from Maldare village in Virajpet taluk on Monday morning, a coffee grower lost his life after a tree branch fell on him during a spell of heavy wind and rain.

The deceased has been identified as 64-year-old Ponnachanda Vishnu Belliappa, a former Gram Panchayat member and long-time resident of Maldare. According to sources, the mishap occurred just as he stepped out of his house. A large branch, weakened by the gusty winds and rainfall, snapped and fell on him unexpectedly.

Vishnu Belliappa sustained severe injuries to the head and was immediately rushed to the government hospital in Siddapur. Despite the efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Maldare and surrounding areas have been experiencing intense wind and rain over the past few days, raising concerns about the stability of roadside and plantation trees. Authorities have appealed to residents to exercise caution, especially during periods of heavy rain.

Local officials visited the site of the incident and expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.