Kasaragod: Missing Schoolgirl and Driver Found Dead in Merkala Forest After 26 Days

Kasaragod: Missing Schoolgirl and Driver Found Dead in Merkala Forest After 26 Days

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasaragod, March 9, 2025: A 15-year-old schoolgirl and a 42-year-old taxi driver, missing for 26 days, were tragically found dead in the Merkala forest in Paivalike grama panchayat on Sunday, March 9.

The deceased have been identified as Shreya, a Class 10 student, and Pradeep C.K., a taxi driver, both residents of Mandekappu near Dharmatadka in Kayyar village. Their disappearance on February 11 had left the local community in distress, with fears mounting as days passed.

Kumbla Police Sation Inspector Vinod Kumar revealed that over 100 police officers had been scouring the Merkala forest, where the duo’s mobile phones had last pinged. Their bodies were eventually discovered hanging from a tree, with their phones found nearby. Dense undergrowth in the area significantly delayed the search efforts.

Shreya came from a financially struggling family. She is survived by her father Priyesh, a daily wage laborer; her mother Prabhavathi, a worker under the MNREGS scheme; and her younger sister, a Class 8 student.

Pradeep, who was considered close to Shreya’s family, had gone missing the same day. Rajeevi, a panchayat member from Chevar ward who knew both families well, stated that he was often called upon to assist the family.

Concerns had been raised about Pradeep’s influence on Shreya, especially since she disappeared just 19 days before her Class 10 board exams. Some residents speculated that they might have traveled to Madikeri, where Pradeep had connections. However, the police remained confident that they had not left the Merkala forest.

Zulfikar Ali B, a panchayat member from Kayyar ward, noted that Pradeep’s long-time girlfriend, a resident of Uppala, had also filed a missing complaint at the Kumbla police station.

The search operation, conducted in the challenging terrain of Merkala forest, was intensified after a brief signal from Shreya’s phone was detected a few days ago. Despite the harsh conditions, the police team persevered, uncovering the tragic conclusion to the case.

The incident has left the community in shock and grief, with many questions about the circumstances leading to the deaths.