Youth loses way while trekking to Bandaje Falls, search underway

Team Udayavani, May 29, 2023, 9:04 AM IST

Belthangadi: A youth went missing while trekking toward Bandaje Falls through the Ranizhari area of Mudigere. The search operation to locate him is currently underway.

The youth identified himself as Paresh Agarwal, a resident of JP Nagar in Bengaluru.

According to reports, Agarwal arrived in Ranizhari on his motorcycle before embarking on his trek toward Bandaje Falls. However, as evening approached, he lost his way and immediately contacted the police control room for assistance.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of mobile network coverage in the densely forested area, determining his precise location became a challenging task.

The Balur police have already initiated search efforts within their jurisdiction, focusing primarily on the vicinity of Bandaje Falls and other nearby areas. Simultaneously, the Belthangadi Wildlife Department has deployed a dedicated team to conduct thorough searches within the district.

Both the police and the forest department have been encouraging Agarwal to maintain frequent mobile contact, providing them with vital information that aids in the ongoing search operation.

The terrain presents numerous difficulties, including slippery rocks and dense forest cover, making it challenging to pinpoint Agarwal’s whereabouts. Despite the arduous conditions, the search efforts remain relentless as authorities strive to locate the missing trekker.