Indore Techie Missing During Karnataka Trek

A 32-year-old techie from Indore, Advait Upadhyaya, has gone missing during a trek at the historic Shivagange Hill in Karnataka's Bengaluru Rural district. The Karnataka Police have launched a major search operation to locate him.

Upadhyaya, a resident of Bengaluru's Kadugodi area, had rented a scooter and ridden to Shivagange Hill early on Friday morning. CCTV footage shows him parking the vehicle, ascending the hill, and reaching the summit. However, there is no footage of him returning down the slope.

The police recovered Upadhyaya's laptop during the investigation and found alarming search histories. He had used an AI tool to research the physical impact of a fall from Shivagange Hill, including calculations on how long it would take to die from such a drop. The AI-generated response suggested that a fall at around 7:30 AM could prove fatal.

The search and rescue personnel, comprising the Karnataka Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are using drone cameras and modern equipment to scan inaccessible and steep crevices. The operations are focused around Shantala Drop, a popular yet dangerously steep lookout point atop the hill.

Upadhyaya had got engaged a few months before the incident. On the morning of his disappearance, he sent a photograph of the location to his fiancée shortly after starting his trek, before his phone went unreachable. When multiple phone calls went unanswered, his fiancée approached the Kadugodi police station, and the authorities launched a search operation.

The police have also obtained a photograph taken by another tourist showing Upadhyaya at the hilltop around the time he lost contact. Specialised teams are continuing to navigate the challenging terrain and narrow ravines to locate the missing techie.

While the police are investigating an accidental slip or suicide, Upadhyaya's family suspects kidnapping because his phone's last location was traced 22 kilometres away. The search teams have recovered his bag and sweater at Shivagange's restricted Shanthala Point, despite rain-hampered operations.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of trekkers at Shivagange Hill, which is known for its steep and challenging terrain. The authorities are urging trekkers to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when visiting the hill.

The search operation is ongoing, and the police are examining both digital and physical evidence. However, authorities emphasize that Upadhyaya's death has not been officially confirmed while search efforts continue.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions when engaging in adventure activities like trekking. It also highlights the need for authorities to ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents.

In the meantime, the search for Upadhyaya continues, and his family and friends are waiting anxiously for any news about his whereabouts. The incident has sent shockwaves among the trekking community, and many are hoping for a safe and successful rescue operation.