A sombre cloud hung over Panemangalore on Thursday after police confirmed that Ramesh Rai Nellikatte (55) — recently re-elected BJP councillor to the Puttur City Municipal Council — took his own life.
Around 11 a.m., Rai rode from Puttur, parking his motorcycle beneath the old bridge spanning the Netravati. Nearby lay his shirt, wallet, slippers and mobile phone, piquing the curiosity of passers-by who promptly alerted Bantwal Town Police.
Officers traced the handset, verified the items as Rai’s and called his family. Soon, firefighters, local swimmers and police fanned out across the riverbanks, combing the watercourse and adjoining terrain.
At 4:30 p.m., the search ended in tragedy: Rai’s body surfaced in a municipal drinking-water tank a short distance from where his bike stood. Investigators believe he removed his belongings before leaping into the reservoir. The motive behind the drastic step remains uncertain, and an inquest is under way.
Rai ran a long-standing driving school serving Sullia and Puttur and was known as a tireless party worker and community volunteer. In last month’s by-poll — held after the death of Congress councillor Shakti Sinha — he comfortably retained the ward for the BJP, marking his second stint in office.
He is survived by his wife, an adult son employed at a local bank, a school-going daughter and extended family members, all of whom gathered at the site in stunned silence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with distress, please reach out to India’s 24×7 helpline KIRAN (1800-599-0019) or local mental-health services.
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