Missing kerala girl found dead in deep gorge near Dattapeetha after three-day search

Chikkamagaluru : In a tragic development, the body of a 14-year-old girl from Kerala, who had gone missing three days ago near Manikyadhara waterfalls, has been recovered from a deep gorge in the Chandradrona hill ranges. The incident occurred near Datta Peetha, a popular tourist destination in the district.

The deceased has been identified as Sreenanda, who was part of a 40-member tourist group that had arrived in Chikkamagaluru on April 7. The group had visited Inam Dattatreya Peetha and Manikyadhara falls when the girl suddenly went missing under unclear circumstances.

Following the disappearance, a massive search operation was launched by multiple agencies. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire and emergency services, local police, and the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) were deployed to comb the dense forest and steep terrain. Given the challenging landscape, authorities also used drones and thermal imaging cameras to trace any signs of the missing girl.

After three days of intensive search efforts, Sreenanda’s body was finally located at the bottom of an approximately 2,000-foot-deep gorge near the waterfall area. Officials confirmed the recovery on Thursday, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search operation.

The region’s rugged terrain, thick forest cover, and steep cliffs had made rescue operations extremely difficult. Personnel had to navigate dangerous slopes and inaccessible areas, often using ropes and specialized equipment to reach deeper sections of the valley.

Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the incident. Preliminary suspicions include the possibility of an accidental fall due to the slippery and uneven terrain near the waterfall. However, police have not ruled out other angles and stated that a detailed investigation is underway.

The girl’s disappearance had earlier raised concerns and speculation, especially after her family expressed doubts about the circumstances leading to her going missing. With the recovery of the body, investigators are now focusing on forensic examination and other evidence to establish the sequence of events.

Meanwhile, the tragic incident has left the victim’s family devastated. Parents and relatives, who had been anxiously waiting for updates over the past three days, broke down upon receiving the news. Their grief was palpable at the site as officials completed the recovery process.

Local police have registered a case and initiated legal procedures, including post-mortem examination. Officials stated that further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns at popular hill and waterfall destinations, particularly in ecologically sensitive and high-risk areas like Datta Peetha. Authorities are expected to review safety measures and issue stricter guidelines for tourists visiting such المناطق.