Missing Sub-Inspector From Uttar Pradesh’s Police Basti Found Dead in Ayodhya; Probe Underway

The body of a police sub-inspector who had been missing under suspicious circumstances was recovered from the Ghaghra river in Ayodhya district on Sunday (February 8, 2026), officials said. The deceased has been identified as Ajay Gaur, a sub-inspector posted at the Parsarampur police station in Basti district of Uttar Pradesh.

According to the police, Sub-Inspector Gaur had gone missing on Thursday (February 5), after which a search operation was launched. His sudden disappearance had raised concerns within the department, prompting authorities to trace his last known movements and mobile phone location.

On Sunday morning, local residents noticed a body floating in the Ghaghra river and alerted the police. A team rushed to the spot and retrieved the body, which was later identified as that of Ajay Gaur. Senior police officials from both Basti and Ayodhya districts reached the site following the recovery.

“The body was recovered from the Ghaghra river and has been sent for post-mortem examination. The exact cause of death will be determined after the autopsy report,” a senior police officer said.

Officials said preliminary investigations have not yet ruled out any possibility, including accidental drowning, suicide, or foul play. Police are examining CCTV footage, call detail records, and speaking to colleagues, family members, and acquaintances to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to his disappearance.

The police department has registered a case and formed multiple teams to probe the circumstances surrounding the death. Forensic experts have also been roped in to assist with the investigation.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local police fraternity, with colleagues describing Gaur as a dedicated officer. Authorities said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.