New Delhi: In a stark reminder of the extreme risks some people take for social media content, a dramatic incident captured on CCTV footage in Gokarna, Karnataka. A couple risked their infant’s life for a selfie by a dangerously swollen river.
Timely action and technological prowess of the local police averted the potential tragedy. The shocking incident happened at 1:20 PM on June 1, 2025, at the Gangavali River bridge.
Amid pre-monsoon conditions accompanied by strong winds and rising water levels, the couple, with their child, less than a year old, in tow, walked close to the river’s edge. Disturbingly, the father was seen holding the infant near the bridge railing as the mother joined him, seemingly intent on capturing a selfie putting themselves and their kid in danger.
Without their knowledge, the reckless actions were monitored live by the Gokarna police through a Wi-Fi connected CCTV camera. Recognising the imminent threat to the family, especially the vulnerable infant, the officers swiftly activated a loud siren through a speaker system linked to the surveillance feed.
The blaring alarm successfully startled and alerted the couple, prompting them to quickly retreat to their car with the child, thus preventing any unfortunate incident.
The video of police alertness was later shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Superintendent of Police of Karwar district, drawing widespread praise for the police’s timely and intelligent use of technology.
Authorities have since issued a stern warning to the public, urging extreme caution near rivers, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, and advising against such dangerous behavior for the sake of photographs or social media likes.
