Kerala techie rescued after 3-day search in Kodagu hills
Kerala techie rescued after 3-day search in Kodagu hills
A 36-year-old Kerala techie was found near Tadiyandamol after a multi-agency search, aided by drones and forest teams, bringing her to safety.
A 36-year-old Kerala techie, G S Sharanya, went missing during a guided trek in the Tadiyandamol hills of Kodagu district, Karnataka, on April 2. She was found around 5 pm on Sunday after a multi-agency search, with rescuers mounting a large operation to cover dense, trackless forest up to the district's highest peak.
Sharanya had arrived from Kerala and was staying at a homestay in Kakkabbe village, about 10 km from Napoklu. The search focused on Pattighat Reserve Forest, a dense stretch on the far side of the Tadiyandamol peak, where thick vegetation and fog made movement difficult.
Nine teams were deployed, with personnel from the Anti-Naxal Force, a dog squad, forest staff, and local tribal communities combing the terrain. Kerala and Karnataka authorities augmented the operation, adding about 40 more personnel on Sunday after a request from the Kerala chief minister to Siddaramaiah. Thermal drone cameras were used to scan hard‑to‑reach areas.
Rescuers spotted her near a rock by a stream, where she had sheltered to stay visible and have access to water. She appeared composed after being rescued and said she hadn’t come across any wild animals. The operation highlighted cross‑state cooperation and the challenges of forest rescues in Kodagu.
