Stephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Jul 21: The body of an 18-year-old worker from Belagavi, who was swept away along with his bike in the Manjattadka river at Panathur, was recovered on Monday, July 21 morning.

The deceased has been identified as Durgappa, a native of Belagavi. His body was found a short distance from the spot where the incident took place, following a search operation carried out earlier on Monday.

Durgappa had been missing since the afternoon of July 17, when he was reportedly swept away by strong currents while on his way to collect groceries on a bike. Heavy rains in the region had intensified the river's flow, hampering rescue efforts for the last two days.

He was working as an assistant to a JCB operator at the pineapple cultivation centre under the Rajapur Horticulture Corporation. Following his disappearance, his employer lodged a complaint with Rajapur police, suspecting he may have been washed away along with his bike.

Police, fire and emergency personnel, along with local residents, were involved in the search operation. The body has been shifted to the mortuary of Kasargod General Hospital.