Puttur City Council Member Ramesh Rai Found Dead Near Panemangalore Bridge
Bantwal: The body of Ramesh Rai, a member of the Puttur City Council, was discovered today near the old bridge in Panemangalore. Rai had been reported missing earlier after his unattended motorcycle, mobile phone, footwear, and bag were found abandoned in the vicinity of the bridge.
Local residents alerted authorities around 11:00 a.m. after spotting the abandoned items. Law enforcement officials, along with the fire brigade, local volunteers, and experienced swimmers, promptly initiated a search operation. The body was subsequently recovered from the river.
Ramesh Rai, a prominent figure in the Puttur political landscape, had recently won the Puttur City Council by-election representing the Nellikatte ward as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. He was also the proprietor of Mangala Driving School, located in Sullia. Rai was widely recognized as a courteous and respected individual within the community.
Preliminary speculations suggest the possibility of suicide, potentially stemming from health or financial challenges. However, official investigations are underway to determine the definitive cause of death. Upon discovering the mobile phone near the bridge, police contacted the registered owner, which led to the identification of the deceased as Ramesh Rai of Puttur. His family was immediately notified and subsequently identified the body. The remains have been transported for a post-mortem examination.
Ramesh Rai is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and a large extended family, along with numerous relatives and friends. The news of his untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over the Puttur region, with many expressing their condolences and shock at the loss of a respected community leader.