Search operations stepped up to trace missing Kerala woman trekker in Tadiandamol in Kodagu

Search operations to trace a 36-year-old woman, who went missing during a trek to Tandiandamol in Kodagu district on Thursday (April 2, 2026), were intensified on Sunday (April 5, 2026) with the deployment of additional personnel and drone cameras.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said that 40 personnel in four teams, along with drone cameras, have been deployed to trace G. Sharanya, a woman from Kozhikode in Kerala. This action follows directions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intensify efforts to search for the missing trekker.

A total of nine teams are currently involved in the search operations, Mr. Khandre said in a statement.

Ms. Sharanya had travelled from Kerala for trekking and was staying at a homestay in Kakkabbe village. On April 2, she set out for Tadiandamol hills along with a guide and 15 other trekkers before going missing the same afternoon.

“As soon as the information was received, five teams comprising about 50 personnel, including police, an anti-Naxal force, a dog squad, and forest staff, began search operations,” he said.

According to reports, Ms. Sharanya contacted the homestay by phone on Thursday (April 2), informing them that she had lost her way. Mr. Khandre stated that the search is being conducted based on her phone’s location.

Local tribal communities have also joined the search efforts that were being conducted with advanced thermal drone cameras.

The statement said Mr. Siddaramaiah had expressed concern over the missing trekker and directed officials to assign additional personnel. “Continuous and sincere efforts are under way to locate the missing woman,” the Forest Minister said.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Kodagu district police Bindu Mani R.N. said thermal as well as normal drones are being used in the search operations. 

She said two teams of anti-Naxal forces, five Forest Department teams from different ranges, a dog squad of the police department and about 15 local tribals are helping the search operations. 

The public have been asked to inform the nearest police station if they receive information about the missing woman. The Keralam State control room has also been informed, said Ms. Bindu Mani.