Bantwal: Body of missing GP secy found in river

Team Udayavani, Apr 1, 2024, 1:35 PM IST

The body of the missing Gram Panchayat Secretary of Amtadi village in Bantwal taluk, was discovered in the Patrame stream on March 31.

Lakshminarayan, aged 52 and a resident of Maladi village in Beltangady taluk, had been serving as the secretary for about six years.

He was reported missing on the morning of March 27 after informing his wife that he was going for work. However, he did not return home that evening, prompting his family to inquire at the Amtadi Panchayat, where they were informed that he had been on duty until the afternoon. Despite extensive searches and his mobile phone being switched off, there was no sign of him.

Four days after his disappearance, on March 31, his body was discovered in the Patrame stream. His bike had been found near the Patrame Bridge the day after he went missing, leading to intensified search efforts. His body was found close to where his bike had been located, allowing for his identification.

While it is suspected that Lakshminarayan may have taken his own life by jumping into the river, further investigations are underway. This wasn’t the first time he had gone missing; previously, he had been found after a police search. Lakshminarayan is survived by his wife.