Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Jul 31: Four days after Hemanth Acharya from Kadeshwalya went missing, a full-scale search operation is underway along the banks of the Netravati river, led by expert diver Eshwar Malpe and a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who arrived in Bantwal to assist local authorities.

Hemanth was last seen on July 27, and a missing person’s complaint was filed at the Bantwal rural police station on July 28. On July 29, his two-wheeler was found abandoned near Jakribettu, with his mobile phone left inside, raising fears of a possible suicide attempt by drowning.

Since Tuesday, local rescue operations involving diver Nisar, personnel from the fire and emergency services, and teams from urban and rural police stations have been combing the riverbank area. Firefighters continued the effort into Wednesday, but no breakthrough was reported.

On Thursday, diver Eshwar Malpe and the NDRF conducted an intensive search from morning until afternoon, but no significant clues emerged. The search continued into the later hours.

Speaking on-site, Eshwar Malpe said: “We are searching with hope that Hemanth is alive. But if he has drowned, we aim to recover him as soon as possible. It is disheartening that so many young people today are turning to suicide. I urge everyone—please, do not take such extreme steps.”

Several leaders and volunteers were present at the site and offered assistance to the rescue team. Among those present were BJP Bantwal Mandal secretaries Sudarshan Baj and Sh Shivaprasad Shetty, BJP leaders Ravi Shetty Karkala, Shashikant Shetty Aarmudi, Karthik Ballal, Harish Shetty Hadukade, Shivala Grama Panchayat member Sanath Alva, and BJP Yuva Morcha general secretary Sampath Suvarna.

As the search continues, officials urge the public to share any information that might help trace Hemanth.