After a tense four-day disappearance in the dense forests of Kodagu, 36-year-old G S Sharanya has been rescued and is currently in good health. The search operation, which intensified over the weekend, concluded on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
The Disappearance and Rescue
Sharanya, a resident of Kerala, had traveled alone to Karnataka for a trek. She was part of a group of 15 trekkers and a guide who set out for the Tadiandamol hills on April 2.
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The Timeline: The alarm was raised on the afternoon of April 2 when the rest of the group returned to base and realized Sharanya was missing.
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The Last Contact: She managed to place a brief phone call to her homestay in Kakkabe village on Thursday, stating she had lost her way, before mobile connectivity was lost.
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The Operation: A massive joint effort involving nine teams from the Forest Department, Police, Anti-Naxal Squad, and local tribal experts conducted a round-the-clock search.
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Tech Support: Rescuers utilized sophisticated thermal drone cameras to scan the canopy and difficult terrain where ground visibility was limited.
Government Response
The search gained significant momentum following direct intervention from high-level officials:
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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal expressed personal concern over the situation.
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Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed he has spoken with Sharanya, describing her as “brave and adventurous” for enduring four days alone in the wilderness.
Current Status
Officials have confirmed that Sharanya is healthy and has been provided with medical check-ups. Plans are currently underway to ensure her safe transit back to her home in Kerala.
Essential Trekking Safety Reminders
In light of recent incidents in high-altitude and forested regions, authorities have reiterated several safety protocols for trekkers:
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Stay with the Group: Never wander away from the designated trail or the guide.
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Offline Maps: Download offline topographical maps, as mobile signals are often non-existent in deep valleys.
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Emergency Kits: Always carry a whistle, a high-power flashlight, and basic thermal wear.
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Local Guidelines: Adhere to forest department closures and influx warnings (such as the recent closure of the Andharban forest trek due to heavy tourist volume).
