Puttur: Fire and Rescue Services personnel conducted a search operation in the Kumaradhara River after a motorcycle and mobile phone belonging to a missing man were found abandoned on the Kumaradhara Bridge.
The search was conducted on Sunday following a request from the family of Madhava Gowda, a resident of Hirebandady village, who has been missing for the past four to five days.
Motorcycle and phone found on bridge
Madhava had left home four to five days ago after telling his family that he was going to his shop in Athur. However, he failed to return home, prompting his family to search for him.
During the search, his motorcycle, mobile phone and other belongings were found on the Kumaradhara Bridge. Following this discovery, the family approached the police, and a missing person case was registered at the Uppinangady police station.
Four-hour search operation
Following a request from Madhava’s family, a team from the Puttur Fire and Rescue Services reached the Kumaradhara River on Sunday to search for him.
The operation was led by Shankar of the Puttur Fire and Rescue Services. Personnel searched the river for around four hours but could not find Madhava or any clues regarding his whereabouts.
The search was carried out in the vicinity of the Kumaradhara Bridge, where his belongings had been found.
Boat availability poses challenge
The search operation also highlighted difficulties concerning the availability of a rescue boat at Uppinangady.
A boat that was previously available at Uppinangady on a permanent basis is reportedly no longer in service. After it was withdrawn, a temporary arrangement was followed under which a rubber boat was brought from Mangaluru and kept at Uppinangady for four months, from June to September.
As the period had ended, the rubber boat had already been sent back to Mangaluru.
The Puttur Fire and Rescue Services personnel were reportedly unaware of the current status of the boat at Uppinangady and arrived for the operation expecting a boat to be available there.
However, when it became clear that no boat was available, one had to be brought from the Puttur office before the search operation could begin.
The situation has raised concerns about the availability of rescue equipment in the area, particularly during emergencies involving the Kumaradhara River.
Onlookers gather at bridge
The search operation attracted members of the public and curious onlookers, who gathered on and around the Kumaradhara Bridge to watch the rescue personnel.
Despite searching for around four hours, the team could not trace Madhava. Police are continuing efforts to establish his whereabouts and investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The discovery of his motorcycle, mobile phone and other belongings on the bridge remains a key aspect of the ongoing investigation.