Rourkela, Sept. 11 (UDN): A transport businessman from Rourkela allegedly jumped into the Brahmani River from the New Bridge on Friday morning following a reported family dispute, triggering an extensive search operation by police and fire services.

The incident took place at around 8 a.m. Police from the Brahmani Tarang police station and personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the bridge after receiving information from passersby and began a search for the missing man.

The businessman has been identified as Shivram Sahu, a resident of Uditnagar who was engaged in the transport business.

According to preliminary police findings, Shivram had reportedly been involved in a family argument earlier in the morning. He later contacted a woman known to him from the Plantsite area and asked her to meet him. After the two spoke for some time at his residence, they left together in his car towards Vedvyas TCI Square.

Police said that at TCI Square, Shivram allegedly consumed some medicines inside the vehicle. Despite the woman’s attempts to persuade him not to take any drastic step, he continued driving towards the Brahmani New Bridge.

Upon reaching the bridge, he reportedly stopped the car, got out suddenly and jumped into the river before anyone could intervene. The woman raised an alarm, prompting commuters to alert the police and emergency services.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident, while rescue teams continue to search the river for Shivram Sahu.