A family from Ujjain, en route to Goa’s Porvorim for an event, found themselves in a harrowing situation when a GPS shortcut led them deep into the Western Ghats’ dense forests. Misguided by Google Maps, the route seemed ideal to save 25 km, but recent rains had transformed the road into an impassable muddy trap.
The journey took a turn for the worse near Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district. Rajdas Ranjitdas, driving with his wife, children, and mother, followed the directions to the Sindhnur-Hemmadga State Highway. However, the supposed shortcut between Jamgaon and Krishnapur villages became a nightmare as the car got stuck in slush late Wednesday night. With no mobile network and wild animals nearby, the family had to spend an uneasy night in the vehicle.
At dawn, Ranjitdas trekked 6 km to find a signal and called emergency services. Initially connected to the police helpline, he was redirected to ERRS (112). The Khanapur police, led by Inspector Manjunath Nayak, quickly located the family using a live location. Assistant Sub-Inspector K.I. Badiger and constables Jayaram Hanumannavar and Manjunath Musale arrived promptly, rescuing the family shortly after sunrise.
The family was brought to Khanapur for first aid and breakfast, where officers advised them to take a safer route to Goa.
This incident highlights the risks of over-relying on technology in unfamiliar terrain.
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