Bantwal: The body of 21-year-old Hemanth Acharya, a resident of Kadeshivalaya in Bantwal taluk who had gone missing four days ago, was discovered in the Netravati River near Bajal Mugeru under Kankanady police limits.
Hemanth was last seen on July 27, after which a missing person’s report was filed at the Bantwal Rural Police Station on July 28. The next day, his two-wheeler and phone were found abandoned near the Jakribettu dam, raising concerns and prompting a full-scale search.
Rescue teams, including local divers, fire and emergency personnel, and police from Bantwal rural and town stations, launched an initial search on July 29. Despite efforts, no significant clues were uncovered.
The search continued on July 30, with teams covering areas between Jakribettu and Thumbay dams, but the outcome remained the same. On July 31, the search was ramped up under the coordination of Sampath Suvarna, gram panchayat member, with support from NDRF, Eshwar Malpe, and local swimmer Nisar.
Drone technology was deployed downstream from Thumbay dam by three teams. Later that evening, a drone spotted a floating body, which was successfully retrieved and identified as Hemanth Acharya.
Further investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and death is ongoing.