ANF to launch search today at Thadiyandamol hill ranges

Madikeri: An intensive search is underway by the Kodagu Police, residents and the Forest Department to trace a woman tourist from Kerala, who went missing while trekking in the Thadiyandamol hill ranges on Thursday.

The latest update from the Thadiyandamol hill ranges on Saturday morning indicates that teams from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), stationed at Bhagamandala and Karike, will join the search operations today.

The ANF teams are equipped with advanced systems capable of detecting human presence deep inside forest areas.

Sharanya, aged 36, a native of Kozhikode in Kerala, had checked into a homestay owned by B. Nanda at Kabbinakadu near Kakkabbe village after booking her stay online. She had also booked an online ticket for trekking and had set out towards Thadiyandamol, Kodagu’s highest mountain.

Sharanya, who works as a techie, had reportedly arrived in Kodagu without informing her family. On Thursday, she joined a group of trekkers heading to Thadiyandamol. However, during the trek, she is believed to have lagged behind the group while playing with the dogs and eventually lost contact with others.

According to sources, the homestay owner had dropped her off on a two-wheeler up to the hill gate. As she was trekking alone, the Forest Department initially refused to provide a staff escort and instead permitted her to join a group of trekkers from Bagalkot.

With no mobile network in the area, Sharanya reportedly attempted to contact her companions but could not reach them. Later, she is said to have informed the homestay owner that she had lost her way in the forest.

Soon after, her mobile phone became unreachable, raising concerns about her safety. Even after more than 24 hours of search operations, no breakthrough has been achieved so far, posing a major challenge for the Police and forest officials.

A massive search operation has been launched involving more than 60 Forest Dept. personnel along with Police teams. Several search teams, assisted by a 25-member youth group from Kakkabbe village, have been combing the dense forest areas around Thadiyandamol. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed, but no concrete trail has been found yet. Sharanya’s brother Shyam has arrived from Kerala and joined the search efforts. The region is also known for frequent movement of wild elephants, adding to the complexity and risk involved in the search operation.

DCF (Madikeri) Abhishek said that five search teams, including two with Police personnel, have been formed. “We are searching at several locations. The Kodagu District Sniffer Dog Squad has also been involved in the operation and drones are being used in the search,” he said.