A body has been recovered from a river in Leicestershire, almost one month after a 20-year-old robotics student was reported missing in Loughborough.
Last Known Sighting and Major Search
Aryan Sharma was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, 22 November. The footage showed him running along the pavement on Meadow Lane, dressed in a dark coat, at approximately 12.30am. This was the final confirmed sighting before his disappearance.
A major search operation was immediately launched by Leicestershire Police and emergency services, involving extensive efforts to locate the young man. His family and friends made public appeals for information, describing Aryan as a beloved family member.
Discovery in the River Soar
On Sunday evening, police and emergency services were called to the River Soar following reports of a body in the water. The tactical support team and police air service officers attended the scene and successfully recovered the body.
While a formal identification process is still to be completed, authorities have stated they believe the body to be that of Aryan Sharma. Leicestershire Police confirmed that specialist officers are supporting Aryan's family during this profoundly difficult time.
Family Tributes and Public Reaction
During the initial search, Aryan's cousin, Jagi Sawhney, spoke of the family's anguish. He described Aryan as "an older brother, he's a cousin, he's one of the five boys of this family" and a "loved grandson, son and uncle."
News of the discovery prompted an outpouring of grief on social media. One person wrote: "That's terribly sad, I've been following the situation and so hoped that he'd be found safely. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP." Another added: "Absolutely tragic. Thoughts are with his family and friends and the emergency services involved."
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aryan's death continues, with police expected to provide further updates following formal identification.
