Missing youth incident in Mangaluru: a harsh lesson of what exam fear can do

Diganth, a 17-year-old II PU PCMB student from Mangaluru, who had been missing since February 25, was found in Udupi on Saturday. According to Dakshina Kannada SP Yathish N., the teenager fled home due to exam anxiety, fearing he was unprepared for his upcoming March exams.

After leaving home, he walked along the railway tracks to Arkula, then got a bike ride to Mangaluru. From there, he boarded a bus to Shivamogga, took a train to Mysuru, and eventually reached Kengeri without a ticket. Seeking solitude, he hitchhiked to Nandi Hills, where he worked at a resort for two days, earning a small sum. He later retraced his route back to Mysuru before catching the Murudeshwar Express to Udupi.

While traveling, he noticed police search efforts but avoided detection. Running out of money, he attempted to shop in Udupi without funds. When caught trying to flee, store staff alerted police, who secured him. His slippers and mobile phone, abandoned near the railway tracks, had raised alarm. He later admitted to discarding them intentionally to avoid being traced.

Police formed seven teams, utilizing drones, dog squads, and social media tracking to locate him. Initially, he claimed abduction but later confessed the truth. Authorities have placed him in a juvenile home, and he may receive counseling for exam-related stress.

Missing II PU Student Diganth Found in Udupi After Nearly Two Weeks

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