A 36-year-old tech professional from Kerala, Sharanya, who went missing during a trek in the Tadiyandamol hills, was found safe after an intensive four-day search operation.
Sharanya had gone missing on Thursday while trekking. Multiple teams comprising forest officials, police personnel, anti-Naxal forces, and local villagers launched a coordinated search effort. Local Kudiya community members played a crucial role in locating her.
MLA A.S. Ponnanna lauded the coordinated efforts of all agencies and thanked the state government for deploying modern equipment for the rescue operation. He also personally enquired about Sharanya’s health following her recovery.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre confirmed that Sharanya, who had gone missing during a trek in Kodagu, has been found safe and is in good health.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, the Minister stated that nine teams carried out continuous day-and-night search operations. He assured that arrangements are being made to safely return her to her home in Kerala.
Sharanya had been part of a group of 15 trekkers accompanied by a guide. However, she got separated from the group during the trek.
Following her disappearance on April 2, search operations began immediately with five teams, later expanded to nine. An additional 40 forest personnel were deployed on the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after concerns were raised by senior leaders.
The Minister noted that lack of mobile connectivity in the forest area contributed to delays in locating her. He praised her resilience, stating she survived alone in the forest for several days. He also commended the coordinated efforts of the Police Department, Forest Department, Anti-Naxal Squad, and local tribal communities.
