Two pre-university students from Vidyaranyapura in north Bengaluru have been missing for more than a month, prompting their families to approach the Karnataka High Court seeking urgent directions to trace them.
The missing girls, one studying in first-year PU and the other in second-year PU, reportedly left their homes on January 31 and have not been located despite extensive search efforts by the police.
Families filed complaints after girls failed to return home
According to police sources, the families filed missing complaints the following day at the Vidyaranyapura Police Station and Yelahanka New Town Police Station after the students did not return home.
Investigators revealed that the girls left their mobile phones at home and did not carry cash or ATM cards. However, they reportedly took their Aadhaar cards and college bags before leaving.
Police suspect the students may have used their Aadhaar cards to travel using free bus services available for students in Karnataka.
Officials said searches have been conducted at more than 50 locations so far, but there has been no breakthrough in tracing the students.
Exam fear suspected as possible reason
Family members believe that fear of upcoming examinations may have influenced the girls’ decision to leave home.
According to investigators, one of the students had previously injured her hand last year in an attempt to avoid examinations. With exams approaching again, police suspect she may have left home along with her junior friend.
A parent of one of the girls said she had not spoken about exam anxiety at home but had confided in some of her friends.
During questioning, those friends informed the police about her concerns related to examinations.
Last reported contact from Male Mahadeshwara Hills
A few days after they went missing, the girls reportedly contacted some friends and informed them that they were at Male Mahadeshwara Hills.
They reportedly told their friends that they would call again within a week. However, there has been no further communication since then.
Concerned about the lack of progress in the investigation, the families filed a habeas corpus petition before the High Court, seeking directions to trace the students.
The court has reportedly granted the police a week’s time to make progress in locating the girls.
Police intensify investigation
Police officials said multiple angles are currently being examined as part of the investigation. Authorities are also analysing CCTV footage and coordinating with transport departments to trace the students’ possible travel routes.
Meanwhile, the families have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may help locate the missing students.