Chennai native falls into deep gorge in Kolukkumalai during sunrise trek; rescue operation ongoing

IDUKKI: A youngster went missing after slipping into a gorge in the scenic hills of Kolukkumalai on Wednesday. Karthik, a native of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is missing in the incident. He reached Kolukkumalai with tourists from Tamil Nadu. Rescue operations are challenging considering the geography and the climate.

The accident took place this morning. The group reached Simhapara, the last part of Kolukkumalai, in an off-road jeep from Suryanelli. Karthik fell into the gorge while watching the sunrise. Meanwhile, there are two-sided narratives to the incident, as some raised it as a case of attempted suicide. The veracity of this claim remains in the haze.

The police are taking statements from those who were with him to clarify the incident. Karthik fell in the area under the Kurangani police station limits in Tamil Nadu. Fire force from Rajakkad and Shanthanpara police have reached the spot and are conducting a search operation. Kurangani police and fire force are trying to reach the spot.