Police investigating Bengaluru techie Advait Upadhyay’s disappearance at Shivagange after an AI-related search on a possible fall from Shantala Drop emerges
The search for Bengaluru-based tech professional Advait Upadhyay, who went missing after trekking at Shivagange Hills, continued for the third day on August 10. Police investigating the case are examining whether he may have planned to take his own life after reportedly finding a search on his laptop related to a fatal fall from Shantala Drop.
Bengaluru: The search for Advait Upadhyay, a tech professional from Kadugodi in Bengaluru and originally from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, continued for the third consecutive day at Shivagange Hills in Nelamangala. Police investigating his disappearance are examining the possibility that he may have died by suicide.
The investigation reportedly took a new turn after police examined Upadhyay’s laptop at his residence in Kadugodi. Investigators reportedly found that he had used artificial intelligence (AI) to seek information about the consequences of falling from Shantala Drop at Shivagange.
According to police sources, the search reportedly included a query about the time of day at which a fall from the location could result in death. The AI response allegedly indicated a specific morning time. Investigators are examining this information along with Upadhyay’s movements in the days before his disappearance.
Shivagange Missing Case Under Police Investigation
Upadhyay had visited Shivagange on August 7 for trekking. During the trek, he reportedly sent a final photograph to his fiancée, Prapti Chauhan.
He subsequently became unreachable on his mobile phone and was reported missing.
A photograph taken by other trekkers at the summit reportedly showed Upadhyay at the top of Shivagange. Police are now examining the sequence of events before and after the photograph was taken.
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Investigators have also reportedly found information indicating that Upadhyay had visited the Shantala Drop area on August 4, several days before the trekking trip during which he went missing.
Police are examining whether the earlier visit and the information found on his laptop are connected to his disappearance.
Third Day of Search Operation at Shivagange
A large-scale search operation continued for the third day under the leadership of Nelamangala Town Circle Inspector Bharat Gowda.
Police personnel, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and trained trekkers are participating in the search operation.
The teams are using drone cameras to scan steep slopes, cliffs and difficult-to-access sections of the hill. The terrain around Shantala Drop includes a deep ravine and steep rocky sections, making the search operation difficult.
Search teams are concentrating on areas around the summit and the steep sections surrounding Shantala Drop while examining possible locations where Upadhyay could have gone after becoming unreachable.
Police Examine AI Search Found on Laptop
The discovery of the reported AI-related search has become a significant part of the ongoing investigation.
Police are examining the laptop activity along with Upadhyay’s movements, communications and other available evidence to determine whether his disappearance was planned.
The investigation is also expected to establish the circumstances surrounding his final communication with his fiancée and his presence at the Shivagange summit.
Police have not yet publicly established the circumstances of his disappearance, and the possibility of suicide remains part of the investigation.
What Is Shantala Drop at Shivagange?
Shivagange Hills are located in Karnataka and rise to about 4,800 feet above sea level. The hill has several rocky and steep sections, including the area known as Shantala Drop.
According to local folklore, Shantala, the queen of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana, is believed to have died after falling from this location. The site is therefore traditionally associated with her name and is known locally as Shantala Drop.
The area consists of rocky terrain, vegetation and steep cliffs. Warning signs have been installed at several points because of the danger associated with the terrain.
Shantala Drop is located near the summit and includes a deep and difficult-to-access rocky section. Its terrain presents significant challenges for search and rescue teams.
Search Operation Continues at Shivagange
With the whereabouts of Advait Upadhyay still unconfirmed, police and rescue teams are continuing the search across the difficult terrain.
Drone surveillance and ground searches are being carried out simultaneously in an effort to locate him and establish what happened after he reached the summit.
Investigators are also examining digital evidence and Upadhyay’s movements before August 7 to determine whether the information discovered during the laptop examination is connected to his disappearance. The search operation and police investigation remain ongoing.
