Search For Missing Kaiga Atomic Scientist on
Karwar, Jun 12: Intense search operation involving CISF and local police has been launched to locate a senior scientist of the Kaiga Atomic Energy Station, who went missing from Mallapur here on June 8.
Lokanath Mahalingam from Tamil Nadu went missing when he went out for his morning walk on Monday.
The 47-year-old scientist was working in the Simulator Training Division of the power plant.
The entire 100-acre dense forest of the Kaiga campus area has been combed. On instructions by District Superintendent of Police Ramesh Gupta, the Ramalingeshwara temple pond here was emptied of water, but in vain. Mahalingam was friendly and mingled with all the staff members. It is learnt that he led a happy married life.
The security of Kaiga Atomic plant is provided by the CISF and a private security agency provides security to the residential complex.
The investigating police have questioned the private security agency staff.
Speaking to Deccan Herald Ramesh Gupta said, a team has been formed under the leadership of DySP to investigate the case. An intensified search is being carried out round the clock by a 40-member team comprising the CISF and local police personnel to trace Mahalingam, he said.
“Till now no clue has been found, mainly because of the geographical hindrance of around 1,000-acre dense forest adjacent to the campus and the overflowing Kali river due to the monsoon,” Gupta said. There is no clue yet if it was a case of abduction or the scientist went somewhere by himself.
Operator too disappears
It has come to light that Mahantesh from the State who was working as an operator in Kaiga 3 and 4 projects is missing for the last few months.
He was appointed 3 years ago at Kaiga. Kaiga officials had noticed that he was taking leave often and suddenly he was absent for some days. The officials sent a letter to his address. After receiving the letter his parents informed the Kaiga officials that he had not come home too. His parents are believed to be searching for him around the Kaiga campus to this day.