The body of a missing Congress worker was discovered hanging from a tree in an advanced state of decay in Vamadapadavu, located in the Dakshina Kannada district, as reported by the Punjalakatte police on Monday.
The deceased, identified as Padmanabha Samant, aged 34, had been missing since March 28 and was found hanging from a tree on March 31. A resident of Thimaradda village in Vamadapadavu, falling within the jurisdiction of the Chennaithodi gram panchayat, Padmanabha had previously served as the vice president of the backward classes unit of the district Congress.
According to the police, Padmanabha, who worked as a caterer in Mangalore, would typically return home every two to three days. However, on March 28, his family discovered him missing, despite his motorcycle being parked at home. Concerned after multiple failed attempts to reach him on his mobile phone, the family filed a missing complaint.
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On Sunday, his body was found hanging from a tree approximately half a kilometer from his residence, in a hilly area near an arecanut plantation.
Punjalakatte police inspector Udaya Ravi stated, “We have registered a case under Section 174(3)(vi) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) based on a complaint from the deceased’s family. The autopsy was conducted by K S Hegde Hospital, and cremation took place on Sunday night. We are awaiting the autopsy report.”
Following his demise, several Congress leaders expressed their condolences and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Former minister B Ramanatha Rai remarked, “Samant had previously informed me about receiving threatening calls. Therefore, there are concerns regarding potential foul play in his untimely demise.” He urged the authorities to ensure justice for the deceased and his family.
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