NEW DELHI: At least eight people, including seven women, drowned in the Thatte Hakkalu river in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada on Sunday, according to police sources quoted by news agency PTI. The incident took place near Bhatkal, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation by local authorities and emergency teams.Officials said several people were swept away while bathing in the river. Rescue personnel are continuing operations amid fears that the death toll could rise. Further details are awaited.