A 36-year-old Kerala tech professional, GS Sharanya, who went missing for four days during a trek in Karnataka’s Tadiandamol Hills, was found safe on Sunday after a massive multi-agency search operation. Despite being stranded alone in dense forest terrain, she said she never felt afraid during the ordeal.

Sharanya, a native of Kozhikode district, had joined a 10-member trekking group that set out on April 2. She reportedly lost her way after descending from the trail and could not locate her group. With no mobile connectivity and limited resources, her situation quickly turned critical, prompting authorities to launch a large-scale rescue mission.

Recounting her experience, Sharanya said she kept walking for hours on the first day before halting near a stream as darkness fell. With only a 500 ml bottle of water and no way to contact anyone after her phone battery died, she spent the nights in the open, navigating through unfamiliar and thick forest areas.

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“I had lost my way. I could not see anyone. I kept walking hoping to find someone,” she told reporters after being rescued. Despite being in a region known for wildlife activity and facing intermittent rainfall, she maintained that fear never overtook her. “I did not feel scared. I don’t know why,” she said.

She was eventually spotted by locals in a remote part of the forest rarely accessed by people. Officials confirmed that she was found in stable condition and did not suffer any major injuries. The rescue brought relief after days of uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed her safe recovery, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier directed authorities to intensify search efforts. The operation involved nine teams, including forest officials, Anti-Naxal Squad personnel, and local tribal communities, along with the use of advanced tools such as thermal drone cameras. Sharanya will now be escorted safely back home to Kerala.

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