Kerala woman techie goes missing on solo trek in Kodagu; search enters Day 3
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Kodagu: A 36-year-old IT professional from Kerala has gone missing during a solo trekking trip to Tadiandamol in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, prompting an intensive search operation that has entered its third day. Authorities are combing forested areas, alternate trails, and interior stretches in a multi-pronged effort.
Sharanya G S, who travelled from Kochi, checked into a homestay in Yavakapadi village near Napoklu before beginning her trek on April 2. She had completed formalities at the forest department checkpoint, where her identification and contact details were recorded.
Due to active wild elephant movement in the area, forest officials advised her to join a group of around 10 trekkers. While the group returned by evening, Sharanya did not, triggering immediate search operations.
According to police, Sharanya reportedly informed the homestay staff that she had lost her way before her mobile phone went out of network coverage. The First Information Report (FIR) filed at Napoklu police station by a forest officer stated that when her number was called, a message in Malayalam indicated it was “out of coverage area.” Staff immediately alerted their superiors, who contacted the police.
The search resumed early Friday with nearly 60 personnel, including forest officials, police, and local volunteers. Five teams—three from the forest department and two comprising police and locals—are combing dense forests, alternate trails, and interior sections of the peak. Drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed, but no breakthrough has been reported so far.
Sources described the Tadiandamol route as moderate in difficulty. “The trail is not tough; most trekkers can complete it in two to three hours,” said Carl Cariappa, a frequent trekker who has completed the trail more than 10 times. He added that most trekkers go in groups and generally without guides.
Regarding timing, Cariappa noted, “Trekkers usually start early, around 6.30 am, and complete the trail in three to four hours. For first-timers, it can take about six hours.” Sharanya reportedly began her trek at 8.15 am, but when the group returned around 4 pm, she was not among them.
After being informed, Sharanya’s family dispatched her brother to Kodagu to assist with the search. A formal missing person’s complaint was filed on April 3. Investigators are exploring all possibilities, including deviations from the main trail and gaps in monitoring.
