Hans News Service Chikkamagaluru

A Class X student from Kerala has gone missing near the popular tourist spot Manikyadhara Falls, triggering an intensive search operation by police and forest officials.

The missing girl has been identified as Nandana, a native of Palakkad district, who had arrived in Chikkamagaluru along with a group of around 40 tourists, including her family members. According to officials, the girl mysteriously disappeared on Tuesday evening while returning from the hilltop after taking photographs with her group.

As soon as the incident came to light, personnel from the Chikkamagaluru Rural Police Station, along with forest department officials, launched a large-scale search operation. More than 30 staff members combed the hilly terrain late into the night, continuing the search until around 1 am.

However, dense fog, darkness and challenging terrain hampered the efforts, forcing the teams to suspend operations temporarily. Search efforts resumed on Wednesday morning with greater intensity. This time, rescue teams deployed drones to scan deeper forest areas and inaccessible regions. The rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, combined with thick vegetation and steep slopes, has made the operation particularly difficult.

Fire and emergency services personnel have also joined the operation, working alongside police and forest officials in a coordinated effort. Authorities are exploring all possible routes the girl might have taken from the point where she was last seen.

Police said the girl’s parents have filed a missing complaint. “The girl was with the group and had taken photos with everyone. She went missing while descending from the hill,” an officer said.The family, which had travelled from Kerala for a holiday, is in deep distress. Local residents have also joined the search, assisting officials in combing the area. Authorities have assured that all necessary resources are being deployed to trace the missing student. The search operation is expected to continue until she is located.