Tragedy in Chikkamagaluru: Missing Kerala Teen Found Dead in 1,500-ft Gorge After 3-Day Search

The search for 14-year-old Shrinanda, who went missing during a family trip to Chikkamagaluru, has ended in tragedy after her body was recovered from a deep gorge.

Shrinanda had travelled with a group of around 40 family members from Kerala and went missing on April 7 around 5:30 pm near the Manikyadhara Falls, located at the foothills of Datta Peetha.

According to reports, the family was descending the steps together when Shrinanda, who was walking behind, suddenly disappeared at a turn in the dense forest area. Despite immediate efforts by family members and locals, no trace of her was found initially.

A massive search operation was launched involving over 60 personnel from the police, Forest Department, Fire Services, SDRF, and a dog squad. Five teams were deployed across the forested terrain, and thermal camera drones were also used on the directions of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.

After three days of continuous search, her body was found about 5 kilometres away near the Arishinaguppe area, inside a gorge estimated to be around 1,500 feet deep. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in retrieving the body due to the difficult terrain.

Police have begun an investigation into the incident. While initial suspicion points towards possible s***de, the family believes she may have accidentally slipped and fallen.

Authorities are also examining other possibilities, including accidental fall or wildlife involvement. The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem examination.

#Chikkamagaluru #Kerala #BreakingNews #MissingGirl #Tragedy