Bengaluru,31 July: VG Siddarth, Cafe Coffee Day(CCD) founder’s body was traced this morning at around 6.30 am in the backwaters of Nethravathi river backwaters near Mangaluru and thereby ending all the rumours that were set afloat following his missing about 36 hours back.
It may be recalled here that the sudden disappearance of the CCD founder on last Monday evening near the same Nethravathi river had led to a pandora’s box and intriguing questions about his possible whereabouts and fate?
Basavaraj Patil, his driver had complained to the police that his owner had directed him to drop near the river bridge and wait for him at the end of the bridge. Though VG Siddarth walked the distance suggested by him but preferred to return on the same bridge from the opposite side.
In spite of waiting for long, VG Siddarth didn’t return while his cell phone was getting a switched off tone. It was only after the arrival of some CCD staff and on their persuasion, the driver formally filed a missing complaint.
The fire fighting staff, hovercraft wing of the National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) and local police launched search operations in the Nethravathi River. However, incessant rains and gusty winds prevented these efforts resulting in any tangible relief.
In between the driver of the CCD founder was suspected into some foul play and was grilled non stop by the police. But such investigations turned futile in leading to any new disclosure.
However, this morning at around 6.30 am local fishermen glanced a dead body sailing in Nethravathi River backwaters at Hoige Bazaar near Mangaluru and tipped the police.
The police team confirmed the dead person to be VG Siddarth, thus ending all speculations about his missing theories.
Sandeep Patil, Mangaluru district SP has told the media: The relatives have identified the body. An old Nokia cell phone has been found in the black jeans pant of the deceased. His body is being shifted to state government-run Wenlock hospital where the post-mortem will take place. Later the corpse will be handed over to the relatives.
According to family sources, the body will be taken to Chetanahalli estate in Mudigere Taluk of Chikkamagaluru district for final rites.
