Hunsur: A cable operator reportedly committed suicide by jumping into Lakshmanatheertha River on Saturday.

The cable operator has been identified as Purushotham (48), a resident of Mookanahalli village near the town. He was also serving as the Director of the Village Dairy, owned an autorickshaw and a tractor.

At about 9 pm on Saturday, Purushotham, who came near the new bridge in his auto, parked his vehicle, kept his mobile phone and slippers in the auto and reportedly jumped into the River.

Passersby, who saw Purushotham jumping into the River immediately informed the Police, who rushed to the spot and found the parked auto and confirmed that the vehicle belonged to Purushotham. Police summoned Fire and Emergency Services personnel to the spot and as it had become dark, they conducted a search operation on Sunday morning using rubber boats but in vain. Finally, the body was traced and fished out this morning.

Before jumping into the River, Purushotham had called his friend over the phone and informed him that he was ending his life.

The shocked friend, contacted Purushotham’s friends and enquired about him. Finally, the friends contacted Purushotham’s brother Raviprasanna, former Taluk Panchayat member and informed about Purushotham’s phone call. They then began to search for him and found his auto near the new bridge.

The reason for Purushotham to take the extreme step is yet to be known. A case has been registered at Hunsur Town Police Station.