Trekker from Odisha stranded on Muthurayaswamy Hill rescued after two-hour operation

A private firm employee from Odisha, who was stranded on Muthurayaswamy Hill at Hunsanahalli in Ramanagara taluk, being resuced by Fire and Emergency Services personnel on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A private firm employee from Odisha, who was stranded on Muthurayaswamy Hill at Hunsanahalli in Ramanagara taluk after losing his way during a trekking expedition, was rescued by Fire and Emergency Services personnel following a nearly two-hour operation on Sunday.

The man, identified as Vishwajith, works as a hotel manager in Varthur, Bengaluru, and had visited the hill to trek and shoot videos. While exploring the hill, he reportedly lost his way and found himself stranded on a rocky cliff, unable to find a safe route downhill.

He initially attempted to descend by crawling along the steep terrain but eventually got stuck on the cliff. Exhausted after the climb and unable to move further or climb back up, he decided to seek help, according to Fire and Emergency Services personnel.

“Fortunately, he had his mobile phone with him and managed to get network connectivity. He dialled the emergency helpline 112 and alerted the control room,” an official said.

Following the alert, a team of Fire and Emergency Services personnel led by Santosh Patil rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Using Mr. Vishwajith’s phone number, the team tracked his location and trekked nearly 2.3 km uphill through difficult terrain before locating him.

“We started shouting his name to get a response. He was so exhausted and frightened that he could not even shout,” Mr. Patil told The Hindu.

After locating him, the rescuers tied a rope to a tree and secured themselves with safety ropes around their waists before carefully descending towards the stranded man. They reached him and safely brought him down using the ropes.

“We provided him with water and reassured him that he was safe. After allowing him some time to rest, we escorted him down the hill,” Mr. Patil added.

Following the rescue, Mr. Vishwajith took to social media to thank the police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel for their timely intervention. He also cautioned others against venturing into unfamiliar and difficult terrain without adequate knowledge of the area or proper guidance.

Mr. Patil advised trekkers against venturing alone into unfamiliar hills and forest areas.

Published - November 15, 2026 06:40 pm IST