Hyderabad: The two month long search for 18 year old Hyderabad student Gujja Manideep Reddy ended in tragedy after Finnish authorities recovered his body from the sea near Kruunuvuorenranta in Helsinki, bringing to a close a case that had sparked concern in both India and Finland. While authorities in Finland have launched an investigation into the cause of death, the student’s family has alleged that the circumstances are suspicious and has sought a comprehensive inquiry into what happened.
The Indian Embassy in Finland informed Manideep’s family through an official email that Finnish authorities had recovered his body from the sea. The development was later confirmed by the family’s legal representative in India.
A promising student whose disappearance triggered an international search
Manideep Reddy, originally from Hyderabad, had moved to Finland in 2025 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Software and Systems Engineering at the Lahti campus of Lappeenranta Lahti University of Technology (LUT University). He was residing in Lahti while attending classes and was described by his family as a quiet student whose routine largely revolved around academics and his accommodation.
According to investigators, Manideep travelled from Lahti to Helsinki on May 5. CCTV footage later captured him inside a shopping mall in Helsinki, where he was seen walking through the premises and stopping at an eatery. Those images remain the last confirmed sighting of him alive. Shortly afterwards, his mobile phone became unreachable, and all communication with family members ceased.
Last conversation with his family
Before disappearing, Manideep had spoken to his mother and reportedly requested Rs 6,000, making it their final known conversation. His sudden disappearance after that call left the family deeply worried, particularly because they said he had never gone incommunicado before.
Investigation widened after weeks without a breakthrough
Following his disappearance, Finnish police initiated an investigation and appealed for public assistance. Search operations included reviewing CCTV footage, tracing his movements and examining digital evidence.
As the weeks passed without any major breakthrough, Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) took over the probe from local police, reflecting the seriousness of the case. Indian authorities also remained in contact with their Finnish counterparts through diplomatic channels while the student’s family approached the Telangana High Court seeking assistance from the Central Government to ensure sustained efforts in tracing him.
Body recovered during sea search
Authorities eventually intensified search operations in the waters off Kruunuvuorenranta in Helsinki. During a coordinated operation involving the National Bureau of Investigation, Helsinki Police and the Finnish Coast Guard, a body was recovered from the sea on July 9.
Subsequent identification confirmed that the body was that of Manideep Reddy, bringing an end to the search that had lasted more than two months.
What Finnish authorities have said
Finnish police have confirmed that the recovered body belongs to the missing Indian student. According to the official statement, the National Bureau of Investigation is examining the cause of death, and authorities have said that no crime is currently suspected. Officials have also stated that no additional information will be released while the investigation continues.
However, some reports citing communications with the family indicate that the death has been described as “suspicious” and “not natural,” underscoring that investigators are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The precise cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Family alleges gaps in investigation
Manideep’s family has questioned the handling of the case by Finnish authorities, alleging that they received very limited updates during the investigation and that communication had largely stopped after late May.
Through their lawyer, the family has demanded a detailed investigation into the events leading to the student’s death. They have also appealed to the Government of India to facilitate travel to Finland so they can identify the body, complete legal formalities and arrange for the repatriation of his mortal remains.
Investigators are expected to rely on forensic findings, electronic records and witness statements before arriving at any final conclusions. As of now, authorities have not announced any arrests, identified any suspects or released evidence pointing conclusively to either foul play or accidental death.
Current status
The investigation remains ongoing under Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation. Officials have not disclosed the final cause of death, and further updates are expected only after forensic and investigative procedures are completed. Meanwhile, Manideep’s family continues to seek a transparent investigation and assistance in bringing his body back to India.
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