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Police divers find body of missing Katanning father Ajit Khan eight days after he went missing in floodwaters

Headshot of Tom Shanahan
Tom ShanahanGreat Southern Herald
Police divers have found the body of missing Katanning father of three Ajit Khan.
Camera IconPolice divers have found the body of missing Katanning father of three Ajit Khan.

Police divers have found the body of missing Katanning father Ajit Khan more than a week after he went missing in flood waters.

His body was found submerged in the swollen Buchanan River about 9:15am today.

The 34-year-old WAMMCO worker was reported missing on Tuesday last week after his green Mitsubishi Triton ute was stranded in floodwaters on Ballagin Road.

His body was found about 50-80 metres west of where his vehicle was abandoned.

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A land search was ramped up last Wednesday, with police divers, a police helicopter, a police drone, police horses, two flood boats, SES volunteers and local farmers all being part of a search for the missing father of three.

Police confirmed on Friday the search for Mr Khan had moved into a recovery phase.

Water Police joined the search for Mr Khan’s body yesterday as water levels dropped after heavy weekend rain.

Police are now focusing on preparing a report for the coroner regarding Mr Khan’s disappearance.

Great Southern Police Inspector Alex Ryan said Mr Khan’s family had been advised and would be supported through a tragic time.

“WA Police extend their condolences to his wife and family at this time,” he said.

“It is a tragic end for this search, the finding of Ajit Khan’s body today goes a long way and will be of significant comfort to his family who are grieving at this time.

“We hope this will provide considerable comfort to his family now that he appears to be located.”

Insp. Ryan said the combined efforts of police, other emergency services personnel and locals led to the discovery of the body.

“WA Police would like to thank all persons involved in the search effort to try and locate Ajit Khan, from SES volunteers, police officers and the local farming community and landowners ” he said.

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