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Body of missing DU student from Tripura found in Yamuna: Delhi Police

The student, Sneha Debnath, studied Mathematics at DU’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College. Her family, originally from Sabroom’s Bhuratali village in South Tripura district, has been living in Delhi for many years.

TripuraThe student, Sneha Debnath, studied Mathematics at DU’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College

Over a week after a 19-year-old Delhi University (DU) student hailing from Tripura was reported missing, her body was recovered from the Yamuna River under the Geeta Colony flyover area, the Delhi Police said. She was identified by her family members.

The student, Sneha Debnath, studied Mathematics at DU’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College. Her family, originally from Sabroom’s Bhuratali village in South Tripura district, has been living in Delhi for many years.

According to police, she went missing on July 7 from Paryavaran Complex and a missing person’s complaint was filed the same day. On July 9, an FIR was registered under Section 140 (3) (kidnapping/abduction) of the BNS.

A suicide note was recovered from her room on July 8, and police were informed about it the same day. Police, citing the note, said she mentioned that it was her decision to end her life and no one was to blame for it. The note, written in her handwriting, also mentioned that she feels like a burden and it was getting unbearable to live like this, police said.

“The note provided by the family indicated her intention to jump from Signature Bridge,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan said.

Police said that soon after registering an FIR, they started their investigation. The victim had told her family that she had gone to Sarai Rohilla railway station to drop her friend.

The probe, however, revealed that she took a cab, and the driver confirmed dropping her at the Signature Bridge. “Technical surveillance revealed her last location was at Signature Bridge. Some eyewitnesses said they saw a woman standing on the bridge,” said police.

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A joint search by the National Disaster Response Force and local police was conducted from Nigam Bodh Ghat to Noida.

Sneha was the daughter of Subedar Major (Hon.) Lt Pritish Debnath (retd), who has been battling chronic kidney failure and is currently being treated through dialysis, said her family in a statement released on July 11.

It also said, “had the CCTV cameras on and around Signature Bridge been functional, we might have known what happened to our daughter… This is not just about Sneha; it’s about the safety of every young woman in this city…”

Police said her close friends stated that she was upset for the last few months and had dropped emails and WhatsApp messages that morning. Sources said the woman was facing some personal issues, which had been upsetting her for some time.

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On Saturday, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha contacted the Delhi Police seeking their intervention in rescuing the student. “The report of Miss Sneha Debnath, a resident of Sabroom, who has reportedly gone missing in New Delhi, has come to the notice of the Chief Minister’s Office. Following this, necessary instructions have been promptly issued to the police to take immediate and appropriate action,” CMO Tripura wrote on X.

Her father went to the Delhi Police and also sought the Tripura CM’s intervention to trace Sneha.

On Sunday, the Tripura CM said her death is “sad and heartbreaking” and expressed condolences towards the bereaved family. He has asked Tripura Bhawan, New Delhi, to coordinate with the Delhi administration for further formalities.

Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More

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