GS Sharanya, a 36-year-old IT professional from Kerala, has gone missing during a trek in the Tadiandamol hills in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, prompting an extensive search operation involving drones and additional personnel.
Sharanya was on a solo trip and had been staying at a private homestay in Kakkabe village. She has been untraceable since April 2, after setting out for the trek. According to reports, she had initially sought permission to trek alone, but forest officials advised her to join a group due to safety concerns, including the presence of wild elephants in the region. Although she reportedly joined other trekkers, she was found missing when the group returned to the base.
The incident has drawn attention at the state level, with Pinarayi Vijayan writing to Siddaramaiah, urging immediate intervention to intensify the search efforts. He expressed concern over the situation and requested that adequate resources be deployed to ensure her safe return.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed that search operations have been strengthened, with more personnel and drone surveillance being used to scan the forested terrain. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also directed authorities to expedite efforts and closely monitor the situation.
Search teams continue to comb the dense forest area, as officials work to trace Sharanya at the earliest.
