Sharanya G.S. goes missing in Kodagu hills after losing trail, 50+ personnel, dog squad and forest teams battle rain and elephant threat in rescue mission
Madikeri: In a tense and ongoing rescue effort, a young woman from Kerala has gone missing while trekking in the hills of Kodagu district, triggering a massive multi-agency search operation under challenging conditions.
The missing trekker, identified as Sharanya G.S., reportedly lost her way while trekking at Tadiyandamol Hills near Kakkabbe village in Madikeri taluk.
Lost Contact After Trek, Phone Switched Off
Sharanya, who was on a solo trip from Kerala, had been staying at a private homestay and set out for the trek on Thursday. Despite warnings about wild elephant movement in the area, she joined a group of nine trekkers.
However, she is believed to have lagged behind the group while interacting with dogs and eventually lost contact. In a distress call to the homestay owner, she reportedly said she had lost her way. Since then, her phone has been unreachable.
Over 50 Personnel Deployed in High-Risk Terrain
A large-scale search involving over 50 personnel from the police and forest departments is underway. Teams continued combing the dense forest terrain until early morning hours, but no trace has been found so far.
Officials from the forest department, along with police teams and a dog squad, are conducting an intensive ground search despite heavy rainfall, steep trails, and poor visibility.
Wildlife Threat and Weather Hamper Efforts
The rescue mission is being complicated by the presence of wild elephants and thick forest cover, along with continuous rain in the region. The difficult terrain of Tadiyandamol, the highest peak in Kodagu, has added to the challenges.
Locals Pray for Safe Return
In a poignant development, members of the local Kudia community have offered prayers and made vows to the deity Male Tammacha, seeking Sharanya’s safe return.
Search Intensifies as Time Passes
Authorities confirmed that Sharanya has been missing since around 2:30 PM on Thursday. With every passing hour, concerns are mounting, and efforts are being intensified to trace her location.
The situation remains critical, with officials exploring all possible routes and expanding the search radius.
