Pramesh S Jain
A 35-year-old woman a techie from Nadapuram who went missing during a trek in the Thadiyandamol hills has been found,bringing a tense multi-day search operation to a close, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
However,details regarding her condition and the exact circumstances of her rescue are yet to be disclosed.
The woman,identified as Saranya, had disappeared on April 2 while trekking in the forested terrain of Kodagu.
The search operation,led by forest officials and police, intensified over the past few days, involving at least six teams combing through dense and challenging terrain.
Investigators received a crucial breakthrough during the search after a photograph surfaced showing Saranya on the trekking route shortly before she went missing.
In the image,she was seen playing with a dog, corroborating witness accounts and helping teams narrow down the search area.
Rescue teams described the operation as a race against time,deploying sniffer dogs and drones to trace her movements.
However,efforts were severely hampered by harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall that reduced visibility,and the constant threat posed by wild elephants in the region.
Officials said safety protocols had to be strictly followed, slowing down search efforts in several stretches.
Saranya had travelled from Kochi to Kodagu and checked into a homestay in Yevakapadi village before setting out for the trek at around 8:15 am on April 2.
Forest officials had advised her to remain with a group of trekkers due to wildlife risks.Though she initially began the trek with a ten-member group,she is believed to have later separated and taken a different route.
The alarm was raised at around 4 pm when the group returned to the check post and realised she was missing, triggering an extensive search operation that has now concluded with her being found.Authorities are expected to release further details soon.
Police, forest officials,local residents,and anti-Naxal forces carried out an extensive search using drones and sniffer dogs across the dense forest terrain.After four days of continuous efforts,she was finally located on Sunday.
Karnataka Forest Minister,Eshwar Khandre confirmed that Sharanya had been found and was safe. A special team of around 100 personnel had been deployed for the rescue mission.
Local tribal communities also played a crucial role in locating her after days of relentless search in the difficult terrain,which lies about 1,748 metres above sea level and is known for its wildlife presence.
Kerala and Karnataka governments coordinated closely during the rescue operation,with Pinarayi Vijayan speaking directly to Siddaramaiah to expedite efforts.
Congress leader,DK Shivakumar,KC.Venugopal also remained in touch with Karnataka authorities.
Sharanya’s family,who had been under immense stress over the past few days, expressed relief and joy upon hearing the news.
Her parents,Gopi and Shailaja,were overwhelmed,while her brother said they were “lost for words”with happiness.
She has now been shifted to a safe location and given preliminary medical care.Officials said she will be brought back home after further evaluation.
Saranya,the Kozhikode native who was stranded for four days in a dense forest after losing her way while trekking at Tadiandamol Peak in Kodagu,has returned home.
She arrived at her house in Nadapuram at around 1 am today.Speaking to the media,Saranya said that she would continue trekking in the future.Her parents also supported her decision and said that they would not stop her from doing what she likes.
