Nainital: A five-day search for a missing man ended on Monday after his body was recovered from an 80-metre-deep gorge in the Toota Pahad area, prompting a probe into alleged foul play.Deepak Upadhyay (33), a resident of Almora, had been missing since last Wednesday and was last seen near Tallital Roadways Station under suspicious circumstances.Police launched a search after a missing person report was filed, scanning footage from over 20 CCTV cameras across the town. Despite sustained efforts, no breakthrough was made until Monday morning, when teams combing the rugged terrain located the body in the gorge.The victim’s family has accused his associates of involvement in his death. His brother claimed the circumstances surrounding the disappearance were suspicious and sought a homicide probe.City SP Jagdish Chandra told TOI, “Deepak came to Nainital on April 22 with a friend. They met two others and consumed alcohol near Bhowali. While three returned, he did not.”He said that a missing report was filed the next day, following which search operations involving drones, SDRF teams, fire services, and dog squads were launched.
During questioning, the friends told police that Deepak had walked away alone. However, his parents have submitted a complaint alleging he was pushed into the gorge.Police said a forensic team examined the spot and an FIR will be registered after evidence is collected. The body has been sent to Sushila Tewari Hospital for postmortem.
