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Search for missing IIT Indore techie called off, Bengaluru police focus on digital footprint
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter8/14/2026

Search for missing IIT Indore techie called off, Bengaluru police focus on digital footprint

A 31-year-old cybersecurity professional named Advait Upadhyay went missing from Shivagange Hill in Karnataka on August 7, 2026. After an extensive search involving over 100 personnel from multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Forest Department, and local police, the physical search was called off. The authorities have shifted their focus to analyzing Advait's digital footprint, including his phone activity, communications, and online accounts, to determine the circumstances of his disappearance. Investigators are also considering the possibility that his absence may have been intentionally staged. Advait, an IIT graduate from Indore, was set to marry soon and had significant expertise in cybersecurity along with a complex social network.

Disaster response forces have been deployed to locate a missing trekker in Shivagange, Karnataka, following reports that Advaith Upadhyaya, a 31-year-old man from Indore, went missing during a solo trek on August 7. According to local police, the search operation began after his fiancée failed to reach him and alerted authorities. The man, who resides in the Begur area and works at a finance firm in Whitefield, had informed his fiancée of his plans to trek at Shivagange Hill and had rented a motorcycle for the journey. His last known location, determined via mobile network tracking, was near the Kudur Road deviation close to Dobbspet. However, his phone remained switched off, complicating efforts to determine his exact whereabouts. The search operation involves multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police teams from Kadugodi, Nelamangala, and Dobbspet, as well as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Over 70 personnel from the police, forest department, fire and emergency services, and disaster response units have been mobilized. The operation faces challenges due to continuous rainfall, which has hindered visibility and movement in the rugged terrain. Teams are currently stationed at Shanthala Drop, where the last CCTV footage of Mr. Upadhyaya shows him at the summit of Shivagange Hill. Investigators have reviewed the footage and confirmed that he parked his rented bike at the foothills before ascending the hill. CCTV analysis revealed that Mr. Upadhyaya was visible climbing the hill, but no footage of him descending has been found. This absence has raised questions about his condition and potential circumstances. An investigator noted that the team is considering both accidental causes and the possibility of intentional disappearance. The police have not ruled out either scenario. Additionally, the man’s mobile phone remained inactive, prompting concerns about his safety. His family has expressed fears that he may have been abducted or harmed, given that he was trekking alone in an isolated area. Further investigation has uncovered digital traces related to his trek. Officials mentioned that during a review of his online activity, they discovered queries about the height of Shivagange Hill and hypothetical outcomes of falling from the hill. These searches, conducted using an AI tool, are considered significant for the ongoing inquiry. Inspector B Govardhan stated that these findings provide insight into Mr. Upadhyaya’s mindset and potential motivations. The police are also reviewing his travel history and communication records to identify any anomalies. In a separate development, the Madhya Pradesh Police have offered assistance to the Karnataka authorities in tracing Mr. Upadhyaya. Indore Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that they received information from social media about the missing trekker and have contacted the Karnataka police to offer support. While the Indore police have not yet received any direct input from Mr. Upadhyaya’s family, they remain prepared to assist if required. The Karnataka police have emphasized that the search operation will continue until more information is available. Meanwhile, similar incidents have occurred in different parts of the country. Earlier this month, two young trekkers from Kalloor, Mubashir and Mohammed Mundhir, became lost on Ponmudikotta Hill near Ambalavayal. They were eventually rescued after mobile connectivity was restored, allowing them to contact emergency services. This highlights the risks associated with solo trekking in remote areas and underscores the importance of proper planning and communication. Despite these precautions, the search for Mr. Upadhyaya continues, with authorities relying on technology, manpower, and collaboration to uncover the truth.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

6 reports

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 908/14/2026
Search for missing IIT Indore techie called off, Bengaluru police focus on digital footprint

A 31-year-old cybersecurity professional named Advait Upadhyay went missing from Shivagange Hill in Karnataka on August 7, 2026. After an extensive search involving over 100 personnel from multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Forest Department, and local police, the physical search was called off. The authorities have shifted their focus to analyzing Advait's digital footprint, including his phone activity, communications, and online accounts, to determine the circumstances of his disappearance. Investigators are also considering the possibility that his absence may have been intentionally staged. Advait, an IIT graduate from Indore, was set to marry soon and had significant expertise in cybersecurity along with a complex social network.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a missing person case without overt ideological framing. While the subject involves law enforcement actions and investigative procedures, there is no clear leaning toward any political ideology. The focus remains on the procedural aspects of the search and警方

Why factuality (95): The article provides specific details such as the name of the missing person (Advait Upadhyay), his age (31), profession (cybersecurity professional), location of the incident (Shivagange Hill), and the involvement of various agencies like NDRF, SDRF, and the police. These facts align with the cross

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the situation in a largely neutral manner, reporting on the actions taken by authorities and the current status of the investigation. It avoids overtly emotional language or bias, though it does mention Advait's upcoming marriage and his cybersecurity background, which may subtl

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/12/2026
Search on for Indore techie who went missing during trek near Bengaluru: Police

A 31-year-old man from Indore named Advait Upadhyay went missing during a solo trek near Bengaluru on August 7. The Bengaluru Police are conducting an ongoing search operation involving over 70 personnel from various departments, including the forest department and NDRF. According to police, Upadhyay had rented a motorcycle and climbed the hills of Shivagange before disappearing. His family suspects foul play, possibly kidnapping, due to the fact that he went trekking alone. Investigators are examining his digital activity, which included queries about the height of Shivagange and potential consequences of falling from the hill. The Madhya Pradesh Police have offered assistance in the investigation.

Bias read (Center): The article covers a missing person case and does not involve political figures, parties, policies, or electoral processes. It focuses on law enforcement actions and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, without showing a clear ideological framing or bias.

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about the missing person, including dates, location, and police actions. It cites statements from officials and includes details from police reports and CCTV footage. While there is no primary source document, the information aligns with typical reporting st

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the situation neutrally, citing official statements and providing facts without apparent bias. However, it mentions the family's suspicion of kidnapping and harm, which introduces some subjective interpretation. The tone remains professional but acknowledges community concerns.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/12/2026
'Searched for suicide spots': Mystery deepens over missing Bengaluru techie

Advait Upadhyay, a 31-year-old cybersecurity professional and IIT graduate, went missing during a solo trek in Bengaluru's Shivagange Hill. Search operations involving over 100 personnel from multiple agencies resumed after drones spotted what appeared to be a body near Shantala Drop, a dangerous cliff. Advait had informed his fiancée about his trekking plans and sent a selfie before losing contact. His phone's last known location was near Kudur, outside standard paths. Police are investigating both suicide and foul play, citing his search history for suicide spots and the challenging conditions of the terrain.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the search operation and investigative findings without overtly favoring any political perspective. It reports on the technical aspects of the search, the circumstances surrounding Advait's disappearance, and the police's cautious consideration of multiple,

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about the search operation, including the involvement of multiple agencies, the use of drones, and technical analysis of Advait's phone data. It reports on findings such as the drone spotting a potential body and the examination of his laptop for suicide-rel

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the events in a straightforward manner, focusing on the search efforts and investigative steps. While it mentions the suicide angle as part of the police's investigation, it does not take a definitive stance on the cause of disappearance. The tone remains neutral, though there i

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 858/9/2026
Disaster response force deployed to trace missing trekker at Shivagange

A 32-year-old man named Advaith Upadhyaya went missing while trekking near Shivagange Hill in Karnataka on August 7, 2026. The State Disaster Response Force and local police have launched a search operation, though heavy rainfall has complicated efforts. CCTV footage shows him reaching the summit but not descending, prompting speculation about an accident or intentional disappearance. His last known location, based on mobile network data, was near Dobbspet. Police have deployed teams in the area to check for further footage and investigate possible causes of his disappearance. His fiancée initiated the search after he failed to respond to calls.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a missing person investigation without overt ideological framing. It reports on the search operation, environmental challenges, and procedural steps taken by authorities without apparent partisan emphasis. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the event and搜

Why factuality (80): This article provides detailed information about Advaith Upadhyaya's trek, the involvement of SDRF, and the challenges posed by weather conditions. It aligns with the cross-source consensus but omits some personal details about the individual compared to other articles.

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely objective, presenting both the police perspective and the environmental challenges faced during the search. It avoids taking sides or making assumptions about the nature of the disappearance.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 808/9/2026
Rented bike, informed fiancée: Indore man who went for trek at Karnataka's Shivgange missing since two days; search on

A 31-year-old man named Advaith Upadhyay from Indore, working in Bengaluru, went missing during a solo trek at Shivagange in Karnataka. He had informed his fiancée of his plans and rented a motorcycle for the trip. According to police, he climbed the hill based on CCTV footage, but his phone has been off since. Authorities have launched a search operation after filing a missing person report. His family suspects foul play, such as kidnapping or harm from robbers. Meanwhile, another incident involved two teenagers who got lost on a nearby hill but were later rescued with the help of emergency services.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a missing person case involving a trekker in Karnataka. It provides factual information about the individual's activities, police actions, and family concerns. There is no evident ideological framing, biased language, or selective sourcing. The content remains neutral and does

Why factuality (75): The article accurately describes Advaith Upadhyay's disappearance during a trek in Shivagange, including his background, the timeline of events, and the police response. However, it lacks specific geographic details compared to other sources and does not clarify the current status of the investigati

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone overall but shows slight bias through phrases like 'family expressed suspicion that he may have been kidnapped' which implies a possible scenario without evidence.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 50Objective 408/10/2026
Single Word In A Diary Reunites Missing UP Man With Family After 10 Years

An Indian man who went missing over a decade ago has been reunited with his family after a single word discovered in his diary provided crucial information about his origins. The police had struggled to determine his place of origin and the duration of his disappearance, but the discovery in the diary helped bridge the gap. This case highlights the potential of personal artifacts to resolve long-standing mysteries. The emotional reunion underscores the significance of such findings in reuniting families.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal and emotional story with minimal political framing. While the topic involves government action (police investigation), the emphasis is on the human element rather than partisan perspectives. There is no evident ideological leaning in the framing or sourcing.

Why factuality (50): The article mentions a 'single word in a diary' leading to the reunion, but lacks specific details about the diary content, the identity of the man, or any official confirmation. It appears to rely on anecdotal information rather than verified sources. Cross-source consensus suggests similar vague r

Why objectivity (40): The tone is somewhat sensationalized, emphasizing the dramatic nature of the reunion without providing balanced context. The phrasing 'unable to communicate anything' implies a lack of agency on the man's part, potentially influencing reader perception.

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