Bhatkal: A youth who was rescued from drowning in the Arabian Sea at the tourist destination of Murdeshwar on Friday has allegedly committed suicide.

According to Murdeshwar Police, the body of 28-year-old Prasad Chandrakant Koli, a resident of Somwar Peth in Gokak, Belagavi district, was found hanging from a tree behind a hotel in Murdeshwar.

Police said a local resident noticed the body of an unidentified youth hanging from a tree and immediately alerted the police. When police reached the spot and brought the body down, it was confirmed that the deceased was the same youth who had been rescued from drowning in the sea on Friday.

It may be recalled that on Friday, the youth was seen drowning in the Arabian Sea at Murdeshwar. The Ocean Adventure staff and lifeguard personnel acted promptly, entering the sea on a water bike and successfully rescuing the youth, bringing him safely to the shore. However, after the body was found hanging from a tree on Monday, suspicion has been raised that Prasad may have first attempted to end his life by jumping into the sea and, after being rescued, later died by suicide by hanging.

Murdeshwar Police stated that the body has been shifted to the Bhatkal Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered at the Murdeshwar Police Station, and further investigation is underway.