Bhubaneswar: The body of auto-rickshaw driver Sanjay Swain, who had allegedly jumped into the Kuakhai River from Tankapani Bridge, was recovered on Wednesday after a 36-hour search operation.

Sanjay, a resident of Harchandi Barik Sahi in Old Town, had gone missing on Monday night following an argument with his wife. His body was found in the Kuakhai River near Lingipur, around two kilometres from Tankapani Bridge.

Fire personnel from Balianta located the body after conducting an extensive search for nearly 36 hours. Teams from the Balianta and Bhubaneswar fire services, along with the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), had been involved in the operation.

After receiving information about the recovery, Balianta police reached the spot. Sanjay’s family members also arrived at the scene. The body was subsequently sent to Capital Hospital for post-mortem examination.

According to preliminary information, Sanjay had an argument with his wife on Monday evening. During the quarrel, he allegedly threatened to end his life and told his wife that he would jump into the Kuakhai River from Tankapani Bridge, the same spot where 23-year-old Bhabani Shankar Khatei had allegedly died by suicide two days earlier.

Sanjay later left home in his auto-rickshaw. Family members initially did not take his threat seriously, but became concerned after he didn't return.

Local youths later searched for him and found his auto-rickshaw parked near the railing of Tankapani Bridge. His mobile phone, slippers, vehicle keys and other belongings were found there.