In a major relief after days of anxious search, a 36-year-old tech professional from Kerala, who went missing during a trek to Tadiandamol hill in Kodagu, was found alive on Sunday evening after surviving
three days inside the dense forest.
The woman, identified as Sharanya, had set out for a trek on Thursday morning solo, but the forest department had sent her along with a 15-member group, which had planned a four-kilometre trek to the peak. She reportedly lost her way during the trek, triggering a massive search operation involving multiple agencies.
Sharanya was eventually traced during a search led by members of the local tribal (Kudiya) community, whose familiarity with the forest terrain proved crucial in locating her.
Authorities said the search involved teams from the forest department, police, anti-Naxal Force, and local villagers, who worked continuously to trace the missing trekker.
Nine teams deployed in massive search
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said the operation involved nine coordinated search teams deployed across difficult terrain.
“We formed nine search teams and ensured all necessary arrangements were made. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also instructed us to provide all required support,” Khandre said.
He added that the search operation was carried out jointly with multiple agencies and local communities.
“Naxal Anti-Insurgency Force personnel, police, forest officials and local tribal communities worked together in the search operation,” he said.
The minister also revealed that senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal had reached out during the search, urging authorities to intensify efforts.
“There was pressure to trace her quickly, and we ensured all resources were mobilised,” he added.
‘Mentally strong to survive three days in forest’
Officials praised Sharanya’s resilience, noting that surviving alone in dense forest terrain required strong mental endurance.
“The woman is mentally very strong. She survived for three days in dense forest. Otherwise, it would not have been possible to survive under such conditions,” Minister Khandre said.
Local MLA AS Ponnanna visited Sharanya after she was found and enquired about her health. He also thanked all agencies involved in the rescue.
“I thank and congratulate the police, forest department, local villagers and the state government for providing modern equipment and working tirelessly to trace Sharanya,” he said.
Relief after tense search
The incident had triggered widespread concern among authorities and trekkers due to the challenging terrain and thick forest cover around Tadiandamol, one of Karnataka’s highest peaks.
Sharanya’s safe rescue after surviving three days in the forest has brought relief to her family and highlighted the critical role played by coordinated rescue teams and local tribal communities in navigating difficult terrain.
