After four days, Sri Nanda’s body was found in a valley nearly 1,500 feet below the Manikyadhara viewpoint. Her family has alleged that she may have been kidnapped.
Her family said she was last seen near the Manikyadhara region of the hills.
The body of a 14-year-old girl from Kerala, who had gone missing during a family trip to the Chandradrona hill range in Karnataka, was recovered four days after an intensive search operation by the police. Her family has raised suspicions of kidnapping.
The teenager, identified as Sri Nanda, a Class 10 student from Palakkad district, had travelled to Karnataka with around 40 relatives. According to the police, the group had first visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in north Karnataka before reaching Chikkamagaluru city at about 3 pm on April 7.
From there, they hired private jeeps to visit a shrine and later proceeded for a hike to a tourist spot in the Chandradrona hills the same day. A video recorded during the hike showed Sri Nanda walking with one of her family members.
However, as darkness began to set in around 6 pm, the girl went missing. Her family said she was last seen near the Manikyadhara region of the hills.
Family members initially searched for her in the area but were unable to locate her, following which a complaint was filed with the police.
Police teams then launched a large-scale search operation in the steep ghat sections and rugged terrain of the hills. Rescue personnel used ropes to reach difficult areas, while drones were deployed to assist in the night-time search.
After four days of continuous efforts, Sri Nanda’s body was found in a valley nearly 1,500 feet below the Manikyadhara viewpoint.
Her family has alleged that she may have been kidnapped.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said there were different claims about what may have happened. “One argument is that the girl was kidnapped, while another suggests that she may have gone away with someone. Such opinions are being expressed, but the truth will be known once she is traced,” he said.
Authorities said the search operation had begun immediately and involved the use of modern equipment such as thermal cameras and drones. However, no clues were initially found, which raised suspicions.
Officials said they are examining all possibilities, including whether she slipped from the mountain or if there could be any other reason behind the incident.
Karnataka, India, India
April 11, 2026, 10:13 IST
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