Mangaluru : Son-in-law of former Chief Minister S M Krishna, V G Siddhartha who went missing was suspected to have committed suicide by jumping into Netravati River in Ullal on Monday midnight.

According to the police commissioner, Siddhartha had left Bangalore saying he is going to Sakleshpur. But on way, he told the driver to travel to Mangaluru. On reaching Netravati Bridge at around 6 pm, he got down from the car and told his driver to go ahead and stop. He was talking over the phone.

As he failed to return even after 9 pm, the driver informed the police.

Police sources quoting car driver said, “I’m sorry” was the last word Siddhartha was saying to whomever he called throughout the journey. The car driver has suspected that he must have jumped into the river.

Dog squad is used and it stopped at the middle of the bridge, said the commissioner. Boat service and the help of local fishermen being used to search in the river.

According to DCP (law and order) Hanumantharaya, helicopter from Indian Navy, patrolling boats will reach the spot to carry out search operation. Local police, Coastal Security Police, NDRF, Home Guards and fire service personnel are involved in the search operation.

The police are also checking his phone calls and the last call made by him.

Former District in-Charge Minister U T Khader who learnt about the suicide rushed to the spot and assisted police in the search operation. City police commissioner Sandeep Patil and senior officials are at the spot.

U T Khader MLA and officials on the bridge, where Siddhartha went missing