The body of 19-year-old Sneha Debnath, a Delhi University student from Tripura, was recovered from the Yamuna River near Geeta Colony flyover on Sunday, bringing a tragic end to a week-long search operation that had gripped both Delhi and Tripura. The discovery came seven days after she was reported missing on July 7, 2025.
Sneha, a student of Delhi University's Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College studying B.Sc. Mathematics, left behind a handwritten suicide note recovered from her hostel room that revealed her intention to jump from Signature Bridge, citing feelings of failure. The young woman was last in contact with her mother at 5:56 AM on the morning of July 7, before heading towards the iconic Signature Bridge spanning the Yamuna River.
Originally hailing from Sabroom in South Tripura district, Sneha had been living in the Paryavaran Complex area in South Delhi's Mehrauli while pursuing her undergraduate studies. Her sudden disappearance prompted immediate action from both Delhi Police and Tripura authorities, with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha instructing police to take immediate and appropriate action in the case.
The investigation faced significant challenges from the outset. Her last whereabouts were traced to the Signature Bridge, but the lack of functioning CCTVs at the location severely hindered the investigation. This technical failure became a crucial obstacle for authorities trying to piece together her final movements and understand the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
A comprehensive search operation was launched by the Delhi Police Crime Branch and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) around the Signature Bridge area, where she was last traced. The search efforts continued for an entire week, involving multiple agencies and drawing significant media attention to the case.
The family had initially expressed concerns about the investigation's progress. Family members questioned the suspected suicide note and criticized police inaction, as no CCTV footage or concrete evidence had initially surfaced. Their frustration highlighted the challenges faced by authorities in cases involving the Signature Bridge, which has unfortunately become associated with similar incidents.
An FIR was registered at Mehrauli Police Station under Section 140(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following the discovery of the suicide note and her disappearance. The case drew attention from the highest levels of government, with the Tripura Chief Minister's office closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Delhi authorities.
The tragic discovery of Sneha's body in the Yamuna River has sent shockwaves through both the student community at Delhi University and her home state of Tripura. Tripura Chief Minister has expressed condolences and advocated for a thorough inquiry and support for the grieving family. The incident has once again highlighted concerns about student mental health and the pressures faced by young people studying away from home.
