Kerala teen who went missing during family visit to Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru found dead
A teenager from Kerala who went missing during a family vacation in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district has been found dead, police said on Saturday. The boy, identified as a 15-year-old from Kozhikode, was last seen near a homestay earlier this week.
The teen had reportedly gone missing on Tuesday evening while his family was visiting Mullayanagiri, one of the highest peaks in Karnataka. Search teams from the police and forest department had been combing the area for several days before his body was discovered on Friday afternoon.
Authorities suspect the boy may have slipped and fallen into a steep gorge during the trek. However, police have not ruled out foul play. “We are waiting for the post-mortem report. The cause of death will be clear only after that,” a senior investigating officer told Hindustan Times.
Locals who assisted in the search said the terrain around the hilltop was slippery due to recent rainfall. “Several tourists have met with accidents in this stretch before. It’s easy to lose footing if you stray from the main path,” one rescue volunteer said.
The family had filed a missing person’s complaint soon after they lost contact with him, triggering a search operation that included police dogs and drone assistance. His body was later sent to the Chikkamagaluru district hospital for examination before being handed over to relatives.
What This Really Means For You
This tragedy is a grim reminder for anyone planning summer trips or treks in hill stations. Tourist spots like Chikkamagaluru and Wayanad attract thousands of families during school holidays, but safety guidelines are often ignored. Always check weather advisories, stick to marked trails, and keep emergency contacts handy — one small misstep can turn a family outing into heartbreak.
The Bottom Line
Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for better tourist safety measures across India’s hill regions. Until authorities enforce stricter checks, it’s on visitors to stay alert and cautious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the Kerala teen go missing?
A: He went missing on Tuesday evening during a visit to Chikkamagaluru with his family.
Q: Has police confirmed the cause of death?
A: Not yet. The post-mortem report is awaited to determine whether it was an accident or involved foul play.
Q: What safety tips should tourists follow in Chikkamagaluru?
A: Stick to marked routes, avoid isolated areas, and stay updated on local weather conditions, especially during monsoon-related trips.
Reference
Hindustan Times — Kerala teen missing in Chikkamagaluru found dead — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-teen-missing-in-chikkamagaluru-found-dead-101775850088999.html
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