Bengaluru, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The search for Bengaluru-based tech professional Advait Upadhyaya at Shivagange Hill continued on Tuesday as police examined a growing body of digital and personal evidence while keeping multiple possibilities open in the investigation into his disappearance.
Teams from Kadugodi and Nelamangala police stations, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire and emergency personnel, continued combing the steep and difficult terrain around Shivagange. Drones and other equipment were deployed to scan areas that are difficult to access.
Upadhyaya, a native of Indore in Madhya Pradesh and a resident of Kadugodi, had gone to Shivagange for trekking. He was reportedly carrying a mobile phone and a drone camera. Police later found the phone and drone at Shantala Drop, while Upadhyaya remained untraceable.
Investigators suspect someone may have picked up his phone, which remained switched on for some time before being turned off. Police are examining whether anyone else was present at the location around the time he disappeared.
A major focus of the probe is his laptop, recovered from his residence. Investigators found searches related to Shivagange, including the hill’s height, routes to Shantala Drop and ways to climb the area. Police are also examining searches allegedly made using an AI tool about survival after a fall from the hill and the consequences of such an incident.
The findings have prompted investigators to consider whether Upadhyaya may have contemplated suicide, although police have not reached any definitive conclusion and are pursuing all possible angles.
His personal life is also under scrutiny. Call detail records reportedly show that he was in contact with several women. Police have also learnt that he had a girlfriend despite being engaged to another woman and are examining whether concerns over his impending marriage could have influenced his actions. His fiancée reportedly made repeated calls after he became unreachable.
Investigators are additionally examining his professional and digital activities, including whether he had any links to hacking or cybersecurity-related activity.
Police suspect Upadhyaya may have visited Shivagange as early as August 4, ahead of his reported trekking trip on August 7. On August 7, he reportedly sent a photograph from the hill to his fiancée before stopping communication.
Another tourist is also believed to have photographed Upadhyaya at the hilltop. Police are analysing the photograph and other technical evidence to establish his movements.
With no confirmed sighting around Shivagange village, CCTV footage from surrounding areas is being examined to determine his route.
Shantala Drop remains a key focus because of its steep and challenging terrain. Search teams are checking narrow and deep sections where he could potentially have fallen or become trapped.
The operation is being led by Nelamangala Town Circle Inspector Bharat Gowda. Police have not confirmed that Upadhyaya has died and are investigating the possibilities of an accident, suicide or other circumstances while continuing to analyse digital records and CCTV footage.
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