Bantwal: Man feared swept away in rain-swollen stream at Raayi; NDRF intensifies search

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, Aug 3, 2026: A 48-year-old man is feared to have been swept away after allegedly falling into a rain-swollen stream while crossing a wooden footbridge at Panchakodi in Raayi village amid heavy rain. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Fire and Emergency Services carried out an intensive search operation throughout Sunday to trace him.

The missing man has been identified as Jeevan Pinto (48), son of Joseph Pinto, a resident of Panchakodi, Raayi. Jeevan had been working abroad and had returned home a few months ago. He was reportedly preparing to leave for overseas employment again later this month.

According to family members, Jeevan left his house at around 7.30 pm on Saturday carrying a torch to visit his uncle’s house nearby despite heavy rain and darkness. It is suspected that he slipped and fell into the swollen stream while crossing a wooden footbridge over the watercourse.

When he failed to reach his destination, his family launched a search and found his slippers and torch near the stream, raising fears that he had been swept away by the strong current.

A missing person case has been registered at the Bantwal Rural Police Station. Local residents and Fire and Emergency Services personnel began search operations on Saturday night, while an NDRF team joined the rescue effort on Sunday.

However, despite extensive searches, no trace of Jeevan Pinto had been found till Sunday evening due to the strong current and continuous heavy rainfall.