Bengaluru, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Police suspect that a Bengaluru-based tech professional who went missing during a visit to Shivagange Hill in Bengaluru Rural district may have intended to take his own life, after investigators allegedly found searches on his laptop related to the consequences of a fall from the hill.
The missing man has been identified as Advait Upadhyaya, a native of Indore in Madhya Pradesh who was living in Kadugodi, Bengaluru. He went missing after travelling to Shivagange for trekking on Friday.
A large-scale search operation has continued for the past three days, involving the police, fire and emergency services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and others. Teams are using drones and other equipment to scan the challenging terrain.
According to police sources, investigators accessed a laptop recovered from Upadhyaya’s residence and allegedly found searches made using an AI tool about the time it could take to die after falling from Shivagange Hill. Searches related to the hill’s height and the possible consequences of a fall were also reportedly found.
Police said an AI-generated response suggested that a person falling from the hill at around 7.30 a.m. could potentially die. The findings, along with other evidence, have led investigators to suspect that Upadhyaya may have visited Shivagange on August 4, several days before his reported trekking trip on August 7.
On August 7, he reportedly began trekking and sent a photograph to a woman to whom he was engaged shortly after starting the trek. He later became unreachable.
Investigators have also obtained a photograph reportedly taken by another tourist showing Upadhyaya at the hilltop. Police are examining the image and other evidence to establish his movements before he disappeared.
The search operation is being led by Nelamangala Town Circle Inspector Bharat Gowda, with police, SDRF personnel and others familiar with the difficult terrain involved in the effort.
Drone cameras are being used to scan inaccessible areas, including narrow, steep and deep sections where a person could potentially have fallen or become trapped. Shantala Drop, a popular tourist spot at the hilltop, remains among the most challenging areas for the search teams because of its steep terrain and difficult access.
Police have not confirmed that Upadhyaya has died and are continuing efforts to trace him. Investigators are also examining technical evidence and other leads to determine what happened before he went missing.
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