Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Mar 31: The body of a government official, missing for six days, was discovered in the river at Patrame, within the Dharmasthala police station jurisdiction, on Sunday evening, March 31.

Lakminarayan, the secretary of Amtadi Gram Panchayat, disappeared on March 27 while on election duty. His absence was noted when he failed to report for duty, prompting his family to file a complaint at the Punjalakatte police station.

Concerns grew when Lakminarayan's phone was found switched off after he left his office on March 27 afternoon. His younger brother reported his disappearance to the authorities, highlighting the lack of contact with the family.

Lakminarayan, part of the SST team for the elections, had previously missed duty, prompting complaints to the assistant returning officer of Bantwal.

After his motorcycle was discovered in Beltangady, authorities launched a search operation. On March 30, police traced his mobile signal to the vicinity of Patrame, leading to a search in the area.

However, on Sunday, his body was recovered from the river by the local Shaurya team.