Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, July 4: In a concerning development from Poonjalakatte Thane, Bantwal taluk, an auto driver identified as Girish, hailing from Kukkipadi village, has gone missing. A complaint has been filed with Punjalakatte Police in this connection.

According to reports, Girish was last seen around 2 am on Wednesday night, reportedly heading to a grocery run but never returned home.

Local police, during routine patrols late on Wednesday night, discovered Girish's auto parked awkwardly on Poley bridge. Upon closer inspection, they found the vehicle empty, prompting them to notify Girish's family immediately.

Authorities have expressed particular concern over a visible section of railing near the Adoor-Poley Sethuve bridge leading into the river, where Girish was known to frequent. He is also suspected of having jumped into the river from the bridge.

Girish, aged 35 and son of Babu Pujari from nearby Kukkipadi, is actively involved as a treasurer at the Koti Nagabrahma Temple in Enmuru. He is married and has two young children.

A joint effort between local police and fire services is currently underway, focusing on a thorough search of the river and surrounding areas.

Residents and local authorities are urged to provide any information that could assist in locating Girish and understanding the circumstances of his disappearance.