‘I was not scared’: Kerala techie survives four days in forest after losing way

GS Sharanya, a native of Nadapuram in Kozhikode district, walked out to rescuers on Sunday after losing her way in the Tadiandamol hills.

How did she lose her way?

Sharanya, who was trekking as part of a 10-member group last Thursday, lost her way in the evening and was unable to reconnect with her team.

The tech professional continued walking until around 6:45 pm but failed to locate anyone. Her phone battery soon ran out, cutting off communication.

She spent the first night in an open area near a stream, unable to move further due to the dense forest.

‘Was never scared’

With just 500 ml of water and no mobile connectivity, Sharanya kept moving over the next few days in the hope of finding help.

Despite being alone in the forest, she said she never felt afraid.

“I did not feel scared. I don't know why,” she was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Massive search operation launched

A large-scale search operation was launched after she was reported missing, involving nine teams comprising forest officials, anti-Naxal squad personnel, and local tribal communities.

Officials said Sharanya had earlier contacted the private homestay where she was staying in Kakkabe village to inform them that she had lost her way.

Siddaramaiah monitored the rescue efforts, deploying additional personnel and advanced technology, including drone cameras.

‘Brave and adventurous’

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre described Sharanya as “brave and adventurous,” noting that poor mobile connectivity had made the rescue operation challenging.

He said she was in good health and would be escorted back to Kerala.