Bhopal/Rishikesh, Oct 23 (NationPress) In a heart-wrenching conclusion to a frantic search, the remains of 31-year-old software engineer Hemant Soni were discovered from a dam located roughly 15 kilometers downstream from Rishikesh on Thursday.

In response to the recovery, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow through a statement: "The news of the passing of Engineer Hemant Soni, from Prithvipur in Niwadi district, who went missing after falling into the Ganga from a bridge under construction in Rishikesh, is profoundly sad. During this difficult time, the government stands beside the grieving families. I pray for peace for the departed soul."

Soni, originally from Prithvipur town in Madhya Pradesh's Niwari district but reportedly residing and working in Delhi's Hauz Khas area, vanished after accidentally tumbling into the turbulent waters of the Ganga River from the under-construction Bajrang Setu Bridge near Laxman Jhula on the night of October 16.

This incident, which unfolded around 9:15 p.m. while he was engaged in a phone conversation, underscored the perils associated with unsecured construction sites and the dangers posed by distractions near rapidly flowing rivers.

Soni had embarked on this journey from Prithvipur on October 14 alongside his friend Akshat Seth (also known as Akshay Seth in some reports).

They arrived in Delhi on October 15, where Soni's cousin, Amit Soni, joined them. The trio then traveled to Haridwar for a short stay before reaching Rishikesh on the evening of October 16.

According to police reports, the group ventured onto the Bajrang Setu Bridge, a glass-floored structure still in the works, around 9 p.m.

With no security personnel, warning signs, or adequate barriers, the site posed significant hazards. Witnesses, including Amit, recounted hearing a splash after Soni moved forward while on his mobile.

Amit quickly alerted the closest police station, but officers arrived approximately 20 minutes later. The night-time conditions—strong currents and cold temperatures—hampered immediate boat searches.

The following day, October 17, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) initiated a thorough operation.

Divers battled the river's swift currents, while drones surveyed up to eight kilometers downstream, yet initial efforts did not yield results. As days passed without any signs, Soni's family grew increasingly anxious.

His uncle, Bharat Soni, publicly urged for intensified efforts, including helicopter support and the involvement of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The situation attracted significant attention when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav intervened. Responding to the family’s concerns, Yadav personally contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on October 19, requesting accelerated rescue operations. Yadav later expressed his involvement on social media, although specific posts on the matter were not disclosed.

Uttarakhand Police confirmed the recovery of Soni's body around 10 a.m. on October 23, following a week of unyielding efforts amid challenging river conditions.

The body was sent for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death, although drowning is suspected.

Authorities noted that the incomplete status of the bridge contributed to the tragedy, prompting calls for stricter safety measures at construction sites near popular tourist areas.

This incident has ignited discussions about pedestrian safety near rivers and the hazards of mobile distractions. Soni, described by family members as a devoted professional and a cornerstone of the family, has left a significant void, especially during the Diwali celebrations.