Tragic Discovery: Body of Delhi University Student Found in Yamuna River

The search for Sneha Debnath, a 19-year-old Delhi University student from Tripura, ended tragically with her body found in the Yamuna River. Her family has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, including delays in filing a police report and the lack of functional CCTV cameras in critical areas. The incident has sparked widespread sorrow and calls for improved public safety measures. As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a bright young woman with a promising future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2025, 11:47 IST

Search Concludes with Heartbreaking Outcome

The six-day search for 19-year-old Sneha Debnath, a Delhi University student from Tripura, concluded on Sunday when her body was recovered from the Yamuna River in East Delhi.

Authorities confirmed that her family has identified the body, which has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Reports indicate that Sneha left a handwritten note suggesting her suicide was linked to personal issues within her family.

Technical tracking indicated her last known whereabouts were at the Signature Bridge in the Majnu Ka Tila area of North Delhi. Her body was later discovered near a flyover in Geeta Colony, about 10 kilometers downstream.

The tragic news has deeply affected the community in Tripura, leading Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to express his condolences to Sneha's family.

In his statement, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would provide all necessary support.

He also instructed officials at Tripura Bhawan in Delhi to maintain close communication with the bereaved family and those managing the investigation.

Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, founder of Tipra Motha and a member of the royal family, also expressed his heartfelt sympathies, urging the public to avoid speculation and respect the family's mourning.

Sneha was a second-year student at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, where she was known for her intelligence and determination.

She was the daughter of retired Subedar Major Honorary Lieutenant Pritish Debnath, who is currently receiving treatment for chronic kidney failure.

According to her family, Sneha left home early on July 7, telling her mother she was going to Sarai Rohilla Railway Station with a friend named Pitunia for a 6:45 am train.

Her last communication with her mother occurred at 5:56 am, and by 8:45 am, her phone was turned off.

Concerns arose when the family discovered that Pitunia did not meet Sneha that morning. A call to the cab driver revealed that Sneha had been dropped off at the Signature Bridge, an area noted for its lack of functional CCTV cameras.

Despite a search conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) within a 7-kilometer radius on July 9, initiated at the request of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, no leads were found until her body was located on Sunday.

The family has voiced concerns regarding the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR), which they claim was lodged more than 48 hours after Sneha's disappearance.

They also highlighted that she had no cash or personal items with her, aside from her mobile phone, and that her bank account had not been accessed for months.

In their statement, the family emphasized that operational CCTV systems could have provided crucial information in this case and called for immediate improvements in public safety measures.