Bantwal: The body of a 48-year-old man who went missing near his house in Rai village on Saturday night was recovered on Monday morning after an intensive search operation involving multiple rescue agencies and local residents.
The deceased has been identified as Jeevan Pinto, a resident of Panchakodi in Rai village.
According to sources, Jeevan went missing in a stream near his house on the night of August 1. His disappearance triggered a large-scale search despite incessant rain and strong water currents in the area.
Multi-agency search operation
Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local residents carried out continuous search operations over the past two days in challenging weather conditions.
Following sustained efforts, the search teams traced Jeevan’s body on Monday morning near Pambadagadde in Arala village.
The body was later recovered from the spot and handed over for further legal formalities.
Suspected accidental fall
Preliminary information suggests that Jeevan Pinto was on his way to his uncle’s house on the night of August 1 when the incident occurred.
It is suspected that while crossing a mini bridge near the stream, he slipped due to the wet conditions and fell into the swollen water body, which was in spate following heavy rainfall.
The strong current is believed to have swept him away, leading to the tragedy.
Police register case
After the body was recovered, it was shifted for post-mortem examination.
The Bantwal Rural Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy once again highlights the dangers posed by overflowing streams and water bodies during the monsoon, with authorities continuing to advise the public to avoid crossing flooded bridges and low-lying areas during heavy rainfall.