Trekker found safe after four-day search in kodagu hills

 Madikeri : A major search operation ended successfully after a missing IT professional from Kerala was found safe in the forested hills of Kodagu district. The woman, identified as Sharanya, had gone missing while trekking at the popular Tadiandamol Hill.

Sharanya, a 35-year-old resident of Kozhikode and an IT employee based in Ernakulam, had arrived in Kodagu for a trekking trip. She checked into a homestay in Kakkabbe village and began her trek on Thursday morning after registering at a forest department check post.

As per protocol, solo trekking is not permitted in the region, and Sharanya was reportedly sent along with a group. She was expected to return to the check post by early afternoon. However, when she failed to return and her phone became unreachable, concern grew among her hosts and authorities.

A large-scale search operation was immediately launched involving forest officials, police personnel, and local tribal communities. Despite continuous efforts for nearly four days, there was initially no trace of the missing trekker.

According to officials, Sharanya had lost her way deep inside the forest and wandered for hours before eventually taking shelter in an abandoned bungalow located in a remote area. With no clear sense of direction, she stayed there, exhausted and disoriented.

The breakthrough came when local tribal members assisting in the search located her during an intensified combing operation. She was found alive but fatigued and was immediately rescued.

Authorities confirmed that she is being brought back safely and is expected to undergo medical examination as a precaution. Officials also credited the coordinated efforts of over 40 personnel, including sniffer dog squads and local volunteers, for the successful rescue.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with trekking in dense forest regions and the importance of following safety guidelines. Officials have urged trekkers to avoid venturing alone and to remain within designated paths.