JOIN US A team of officials from the forest department on Tuesday night traced two trekkers from Hyderabad who had gone missing at Gaalikere in Bababudangiri hill region two days ago.
Vivek Gupta (30) and Shashidhar (27) went missing while looking for an alternative trekking route. A team of officials led by Tanigebailu range forest officer (RFO) Ullas traced the duo to Shola grassland and both are said to be physically very weak.
“The two men were provided first aid and food at the Tanigebailu RFO office and they are being brought to Chikkamagaluru for further treatment,” said an official who was part of the search team.
Confirming the tracing of the trekkers, deputy conservator of forest M S Manik said, “Leeches have bitten the trekkers on their face, hands and legs. They are tired physically. After first aid treatment, they are being taken to Chikkamagaluru.”
A 10-member group from Hyderabad had ventured on a trekking expedition on Sunday. Though eight members returned safely, Gupta and Shashidhar went missing. Ten teams comprising personnel from the police and forest departments, members of an adventure club and residents of Mallenahalli had launched a search operation for the duo.