Patiala, Feb. 14 -- The body of a local BJP leader, who had been missing since Tuesday evening, was recovered from the Bhakra canal in the Samana area on Friday, sending shockwaves among residents and party workers.

Shankar Bharadwaj of the Shanker Bhole Divers Club said the body of Anil Mangla, 60, was found lodged near a damaged bridge along the Samana stretch of the canal during a search operation. Two other bodies, including that of an elderly man, were also recovered from the same spot. Police were informed immediately, and all three bodies were sent to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.

Investigators said it is yet to be ascertained whether the two unidentified persons entered the canal along with Mangla or if thei...