Jharsuguda: The body of RTI activist Ravi Soni, who had been missing since Wednesday evening, was recovered from the Ib River in the Brajrajnagar police station area of Jharsuguda district on Friday.

Soni had reportedly left his house on Wednesday evening, informing his family that he was going somewhere, but did not return. His family subsequently lodged a missing person complaint at the Brajrajnagar police station.

His vehicle was later found near the cremation ground along the Ib River, raising concerns over his whereabouts. Following the complaint, police launched a search operation with the assistance of the Fire Services personnel and an ODRAF team.

At around 10.30 am on Friday, Soni's body was spotted floating in the river and was subsequently recovered.

Following the recovery, a forensic team reached the spot and began an investigation.

Meanwhile, Soni's wife has alleged that her husband was murdered and that his body was subsequently thrown into the river. She claimed that injury marks were visible on his face, nose, hands, head, back, abdomen and thigh, suggesting that he had been assaulted before his death.

The allegations have added a serious dimension to the case, although police are yet to establish the exact cause and circumstances of Soni's death.

Brajrajnagar police are examining his last call details and investigating the circumstances surrounding his last known whereabouts. Police are also verifying the last-seen theory as part of the investigation.

The exact cause of death will be ascertained after a post-mortem examination and further forensic investigation. Police are continuing their probe to determine whether Soni drowned accidentally or was killed and his body disposed of in the river.