A 30-year-old US tourist died after falling in a paddy field at a village in Pernem taluka here after he was chased by a group of villagers, who suspected him to be a thief, police said today.
The incident took place at Korgao village last night and the victim was identified as Caitan Vholte, a US national, Superintendent of Police (North) Umesh Gaonkar said.
The villagers suspected him to be a thief and started chasing him. This scared the victim, who also started running, but soon fell in a paddy field and subsequently died, the police officer said.
It is alleged that the victim died after inhaling sludge in the paddy field but police are yet to confirm it.
"We have sent the body for post-mortem. Only after getting the report, we will be able to know the exact cause of his death," the SP said.
Further investigation into the case is on.
