A 36-year-old woman from Kerala, identified as Sharanya, has been successfully rescued after being reported missing during a trek in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. The incident, which occurred on April 2, attracted significant attention as search teams worked around the clock to locate her. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed her wellbeing during a press conference held in Bengaluru.

Sharanya, who works in the IT sector and hails from Kozhikode, embarked on a trekking expedition to Tadiandamol peak along with a group of fifteen members and a nature guide. However, upon returning to the base camp later that day, Sharanya was discovered to be missing, prompting the immediate launch of a search operation.

Challenges Faced During the Trek

After her rescue, Sharanya recounted her experience, explaining that she became disoriented while descending the mountain. She described how she traversed a left-hand path but could not locate her group. With only a 500 ml water bottle and no access to mobile networks, she spent four arduous days navigating through dense forest terrain.

During her time alone, Sharanya made attempts to reach out by phone to a colleague, but her efforts were thwarted when her device lost power. She managed to secure a night’s shelter near a stream and continued her quest for assistance over the following days. Eventually, local residents discovered her in a secluded area of the forest.

Sharanya expressed that despite her challenging circumstances, she did not experience fear. “I did not feel scared. I don’t know why,” she said, reflecting on her ordeal with a sense of calm. Following her safe return, plans were established to escort her back to her home state of Kerala.

Search Operation Led by Multiple Agencies

The search for Sharanya involved nine dedicated teams made up of forest officials, police, an Anti-Naxal Squad, and local tribal communities, who undertook a continuous search effort. The operation intensified at the directive of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, responding to a request from his counterpart in Kerala for direct intervention.

Thermal drone technology was also deployed to assist in locating her, showcasing the commitment of the teams involved. Minister Khandre highlighted the difficulty in tracing her position due to the lack of mobile connectivity in the remote area, a factor that complicated the ongoing search.

In his statements, Khandre commended Sharanya’s bravery and adventurous spirit. He emphasised that it is the government’s duty to ensure the safety of trekkers who may go missing, regardless of their home state. The successful rescue has been a point of relief and commendation for all those involved.

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