A businessman from Gujarat, who was feared drowned in Kerala, has been found alive — and driving an Uber in Bengaluru.

Hunani Siraj Ahmed Bhai had arrived in Shoranur, Palakkad, on September 17 for a business deal involving rubber bands. The deal, however, fell through. Left with a massive debt of around Rs 50 lakh, Siraj felt trapped and unsure how to face his family or creditors.

In desperation, Siraj hatched a plan. He went to the Cheruthuruthy bridge in Palakkad, took a photograph of the Bharathapuzha River (Nila), and sent it to his wife, claiming he was about to jump. He then switched off his phone, leaving his family in panic.

Worried relatives lodged a complaint, prompting the police to launch an intensive three-day search. The fire brigade, local rescue teams, and the Cheruthuruthy Nila Boat Club scoured the river, but there was no sign of him.

A major twist in Bengaluru

Suspicious elements in his movements led police to extend the search to Bengaluru. CCTV footage revealed Siraj entering a lodge, and he was eventually located near Majestic in central Bengaluru — working as an Uber driver.

When questioned, Siraj admitted that he had staged the drowning and sent a fake suicide message. He feared confronting his creditors due to the large debt. After the investigation, he was produced before the district court and released.