Tulu writer and ex-serviceman S R Hegde (65) was drowned in the sea at Suratkal near here, police said.
The tragedy occurred while he was taking a holy dip as part of "Ellu Amavasya" (paying obeisance to mother earth), yesterday, police said. Hegde had arrived in his hometown Suratkal from Bengaluru on December 21.
Eyewitnesses said Hegde was washed away by a huge tidal wave when he ventured into the sea and his body was recovered at Mallamar Beach, Suratkal.
Hegde had served for 16 years in the Indian military and was a recipient of "Samara Seva" award. Later, he worked as an editor for a Kannada newspaper and editor of Snehachintana publication of Buntara Sangha, Bengaluru.
He was also the President of Buntara Sanhga, Bengaluru and Secretary of Bengaluru Tulu Koota.
He is survived by wife Indira who is a writer and researcher, a son and a daughter.
