Kerala Girl Found Dead In Chikkamagaluru's Manikyadhara, Body Recovered From 2,000-Ft Gorge

In a tragic turn to a missing case, the body of Kerala girl identified as Shreenanda was recovered from a deep gorge in the Manikyadhara hills, with officials estimating the depth between 1,500 and 2,000 feet.

The recovery was not straightforward. Rescue teams described it as highly risky, given the steep drops, loose rocks and dense vegetation that define the Manikyadhara terrain.

Police said the body was initially spotted near the rim of a valley before teams carefully moved in. The area, known for its sharp cliffs and narrow trails, often draws visitors but remains dangerous.

What Happened After She Went Missing?

According to officials, Shreenanda had been missing since Tuesday evening, around 6:30 PM. Her last known location was in the Manikyadhara region - a hilly stretch where a single misstep can turn fatal.

Once the disappearance was reported, police, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), launched a search operation. Teams combed the slopes and surrounding paths for hours, navigating low visibility and uneven terrain.

The body was eventually located deep inside the gorge, bringing the search to a grim end.

Officials said retrieving the body required ropes and specialised equipment due to the sharp incline and unstable ground.

Despite confirming the identity, police are yet to establish how the incident occurred. Whether it was a slip, fall or something else remains unclear.