Minor girl goes missing during trek in Chikkamagaluru, search intensified

Chikkamagaluru : Close on the heels of the recent Sharanya missing case in Kodagu, another alarming incident has surfaced from the trekking belt of Chikkamagaluru district. A 14-year-old girl from Kerala has gone missing while on a trip to the Chandradrona hill ranges, triggering a large-scale search operation by authorities.

The missing girl, identified as Sree Nanda, is a native of Palakkad district in Kerala. She had arrived in Chikkamagaluru along with her parents as part of a group of around 40 ტურists. The group had ventured into the scenic Chandradrona Hill Ranges, a popular trekking destination known for its rugged terrain and dense forest cover.

According to police sources, the girl went missing around 6 pm on Tuesday near Manikyadhara Falls, a frequently visited spot within the hill range. “The girl was last seen near the trekking trail. Within minutes, she was untraceable, which raised alarm among family members and fellow travellers,” an official said.

As soon as the disappearance was noticed, local residents and tourists initiated a search in the surrounding areas. However, no clues were found initially, prompting authorities to step in. The Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Department personnel, and local police launched a coordinated search operation that continued through the night.

“A joint rescue team has been deployed, and efforts are ongoing with full intensity. We are also using drone technology to scan difficult terrains,” a senior police officer stated. He added that the search is particularly challenging due to the nature of the landscape, which consists of steep slopes, grasslands, and thick vegetation.

The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Chikkamagaluru Rural Police Station. Officials confirmed that all possible angles are being examined, including the possibility of the girl losing her way or slipping into a remote patch of the forest.

This development has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of trekkers, especially minors, in the Western Ghats region. Experts have repeatedly cautioned against inadequate supervision and lack of proper safety measures in such high-risk trekking zones.

Authorities have urged tourists to remain vigilant and ensure that children are closely monitored during such trips. “Safety protocols must be strictly followed. Trekking in unfamiliar terrain can be risky, especially during evening hours,” an official warned.

The search operation is expected to continue until the missing girl is traced, with additional teams likely to be deployed if required.