Delhi tourist found dead after fall from under-construction Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Police recovered the body of a Delhi man on Thursday who had fallen from the under-construction Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh on October 16. The incident took place when the tourist, identified as Hemant Soni (31), a resident of Katwaria Sarai, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, fell into the Ganga River from an unfinished section of the bridge. The officials stated that Soni had arrived in Rishikesh with his friends, Amit Soni and Akshat Seth, to visit Lakshman Jhula. Despite the route being closed at night, the three tourists visited the Bajrang Setu area. While walking, they reached a portion of the bridge where glass flooring has not yet been installed. Due to low visibility, they reportedly failed to notice the gap, causing Soni to fall directly into the river. The officials said that SDRF received information from Lakshman Jhula police station about the fall on October 16 and launched a continuous search operation in the river and nearby areas. A team led by ASI Vijendra Kudyaal carried out the search over several days. The team finally recovered the body from the Ganga river on Thursday. Family members identified the body, which was then handed over to district police for legal procedures. Authorities have advised visitors to avoid restricted construction zones and follow local security instructions, especially during night hours. Investigation into the incident is underway, they added.