Udupi: Missing woman’s body found in Sowparnika River

The mortal remains of a 45-year-old woman, who had been reported missing earlier this week, were recovered on Saturday in Udupi district. Police confirmed that the deceased was identified as Vasudha Chakravarthy, a resident of Bengaluru, who had disappeared near Sri Mookambika Temple, Kollur.

Complaint filed after disappearance

According to the complaint lodged at Kollur police station, Vasudha’s mother, Vimala, who hails from Tyagarajanagar in Bengaluru, said her daughter had travelled to Kollur on August 27. She had parked her car at the guest house of Sri Mookambika Temple before stepping out. However, she did not return, and repeated attempts to reach her through her cellphone went unanswered.

The following morning, Vimala reached Kollur in search of her daughter. Temple staff reportedly told her that Vasudha appeared disturbed before running towards the road, after which her whereabouts were unknown. Despite extensive searches in and around the temple premises, no information emerged.

Search operations launched

Following the complaint, Kollur police registered a case and began a search operation. Local residents, the Byndoor fire services team, and a specialised rescue team led by expert swimmer Eshwar Malpe joined the efforts. Based on local inputs and early investigations, police suspected that Vasudha might have jumped into the Sowparnika River and been swept away by the strong current.

Body found three kilometres downstream

Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar stated that Vasudha’s body was eventually recovered about three kilometres away from the suspected jump site. “The body was carried downstream for about three kilometres through dense forest areas before reaching plain land,” he said.

The police are continuing further investigation to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the incident.

Conclusion

The tragic discovery has brought an end to the search for Vasudha Chakravarthy, but police are awaiting detailed reports to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death