The search for Sneha Debnath, a 19-year-old student from Delhi University who had been missing for six days, came to a tragic end on Sunday as her body was recovered from the Yamuna River near Signature Bridge in Delhi, according to a statement from the Tripura Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The Delhi Police confirmed that a female body was located by a patrolling team near the iconic bridge. The discovery was made following a joint search operation involving the police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Sneha, originally from Sabroom in South Tripura district, was a student of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi University. She had been missing since July 7, with her last known communication being a phone call to her mother at 5:56 a.m., during which she said she would be accompanying a friend, Pitunia, to the Sarai Rohilla Railway Station. However, Pitunia later confirmed she never met Sneha that morning.

Her phone was reportedly switched off by 8:45 a.m., triggering concern. A cab driver later informed the family that he had dropped Sneha near Signature Bridge.

Suicide Suspected, Investigation Underway

Preliminary reports suggest that Sneha may have died by suicide, having possibly jumped from the bridge. Her family reportedly provided a note indicating her intention, and eyewitnesses claimed they saw a girl standing alone on the bridge before she vanished. Close friends said she had been mentally distressed for several months and had left behind messages via email and WhatsApp on the morning of her disappearance.

Despite an extensive search launched on July 9, including a seven-kilometre radius sweep around Signature Bridge, no clues were found at the time.

A full investigation is now underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death.

Tripura CM Offers Condolences and Seeks Thorough Probe

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed deep sorrow over Sneha’s death and extended condolences to her family. He has directed Tripura Bhavan in Delhi to provide all necessary assistance to the bereaved family and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

In an official post, the Tripura CMO stated:

“The report of Miss Sneha Debnath, a resident of Sabroom, who had gone missing in New Delhi, came to the notice of the Chief Minister’s Office. Necessary instructions were promptly issued to the police to take immediate and appropriate action.”

The Tripura government’s swift intervention, combined with support from Delhi authorities, ultimately led to the discovery of Sneha’s body. However, questions remain over what led to her tragic death, and authorities continue to investigate the incident.