The search for 72-year-old Ajit Kaur, who went missing in California in August, has ended in tragedy after her body was discovered in a canal in Ceres.
According to a report by DNA, the remains were found on October 24 by an employee of the Turlock Irrigation District (TID), who spotted what appeared to be a human body while patrolling the Lower Lateral 3 Canal near Central Avenue and Keyes Road.
Police were called to the scene and confirmed that the remains were human. The body was subsequently sent to the Stanislaus County Coroner's Office for identification.
Kaur went missing in August
Kaur was reported missing on August 23, 2026, after leaving her home at the Casa Grande Apartment complex in Ceres. She was last seen wearing a peach-coloured salwar suit and dupatta, as reported by DNA.
Her family had made repeated appeals on social media, seeking information about her whereabouts.
During the investigation, police received information suggesting that Kaur may have entered a TID canal located east of her apartment complex.
“Kaur was reported missing from the Casa Grande Apartment complex, located at 3100 Whitmore Avenue in Ceres. During the investigation, information led investigators to believe Kaur may have entered the TID canal located directly east of the apartment complex, which runs parallel to Moore Road,” police said, DNA has quoted.
Extensive search efforts failed to locate her
According to the Ceres Police Department, officers and detectives pursued several leads and searched multiple locations across the city.
Investigators examined canal areas and sought surveillance footage that could help establish Kaur's movements after she left her apartment.
The department also sought assistance from the Merced County Sheriff's Office, which provided a K9 unit trained to search for missing people. However, the extensive efforts did not lead to her discovery until the canal worker spotted the remains on October 24, as reported by DNA.
Family requests privacy
Kaur's family has confirmed her death and appealed for privacy as they cope with the loss.
Nicole Lynn, who identified herself as a family member, shared an emotional message on Facebook.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share this news with you. Ajit has been found, and she is no longer with us. We ask that you please give our family space and time while we grieve and come to terms with this loss,” DNA has quoted.
Investigation underway
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Kaur's death. No cause of death has been disclosed in the information provided so far, as reported by DNA.