Mangaluru: A budding film director Santosh Shetty Kateel (36) met a watery grave at Ermayi Falls in Ujire, Belthangady taluk yesterday. Santosh, who was wearing a special designed costume, died after he accidentally slipped into Falls while he and his team had gone there for a photoshoot. He had won laurels for his children movie– ‘Kanasu – Kannu Teredaga.’

According to Police, he along with four others had planned for a photoshoot for his upcoming children Kannada movie. As per plans, the group reached Ujire on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning, they left for shoot at Ermayi Falls, which was swollen due to incessant rains. They reached the spot around 8.30 am.

Later, the crew started work on their photoshoot where Shetty was supposed to wear a special costume made of metal to look like robot. The photo-shoot plot was such that it was taken standing on flowing water at falls. During which, it is alleged that he slipped with his heavy costume and drowned.

The body was later fished out with the help of Fire and Emergency Services.

Shetty had obtained his animation degree and worked in local TV channels as animator before getting into film-making.

Police said that they have booked case under IPC Section 304A (Causing death by negligence) against four persons who accompanied him to the Falls without obtaining necessary permission. Case is registered at Belthangady Police Station and investigation is on.