Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Nov 26: A middle-aged woman’s body was found floating in the Netravati River near the Gudinabali Community Hall close to Panemangaluru on Wednesday, sparking suspicion of suicide.

According to eyewitnesses, a woman aged around 50–55 reportedly jumped into the river from the new Panemangaluru Netravati Bridge around 10 am. As she was draped in a saree, the body did not sink and drifted towards the old bridge, where locals spotted it around 10.30 am and alerted Bantwal Town police.

Local swimmers immediately launched a rescue effort and retrieved the body, which was later shifted to the Bantwal Government Hospital mortuary.

Identity established through viral photo

A photograph of the deceased circulated on social media, helping establish her identity. The woman was identified as Leelavathi (50), wife of Upendra from Gandodi near Kaikamba, BC Road. Family members also confirmed the identification.

Sources said the woman had been mentally distressed and was troubled by the fact that the couple had no children. Police suspect she may have taken the extreme step due to emotional distress.

Bantwal Town Police have registered a case and are investigating.