Uttarkashi: The body of independent journalist Rajiv Pratap, recovered from Joshiada Barrage, has been cremated at Kedar Ghat. Pratap had been missing since September 18th. He suddenly disappeared between Gangori and Garampani. His car was found in the Bhagirathi River near Suyuna. His body was recovered from Joshiada Barrage.
Rajiv Pratap left for Gangori on the night of September 18th in a friend’s car: According to Uttarkashi police, independent journalist Rajiv Pratap left Gyansu for Gangori on the night of September 18th in his friend Soban Singh’s car. When Rajiv did not return the next morning, his friend informed the police and initiated a search for him. During the search, Soban Singh’s car was found in the Bhagirathi River near Suyuna village on September 19th, but Rajiv Pratap was not in it.
Following this, his family filed a missing person report at the city police station. The police and SDRF searched the Bhagirathi River and also examined CCTV footage, but were unable to locate him. Following the instructions of the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP), the NDRF, SDRF, and QRT teams launched a search operation in the Bhagirathi River from Gangori to Chinyalisaur.
Body found at Joshiada Barrage after 10 days: On the morning of Sunday, September 18th, the team spotted a body at Joshiada Barrage. The team retrieved the body from the lake and handed it over to the police. The police then prepared an inquest report and sent the body to the District Hospital, Uttarkashi, for identification. Rajiv Pratap’s family identified him there. On Monday, September 29th, the family performed Rajiv’s last rites at Kedar Ghat.
CM Dhami has already ordered an investigation into the incident: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also expressed condolences on the death of senior journalist Rajiv Pratap. Expressing condolences to the family, he directed a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari also expressed his deep condolences on the passing of Rajiv Pratap.
