• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Karnataka News: A family from Bihar on a trip to Goa experienced a frightening night after their GPS navigation directed them into the dense Bhimgad forest in Karnataka’s Belagavi district. The incident unfolded late on December 4 when Ranjit Das and his relatives relied on Google Maps for navigation. The app directed them through the Shiroli and Hemmadaga areas, leading them deep into the dense forest, approximately 7-8 kilometres from the main road.

With no mobile network coverage in the area, the family was left stranded in their car, unable to call for assistance. As night fell, they were forced to spend the night in the vehicle, surrounded by the forest's wildlife, which includes potentially dangerous animals.

ALSO READ: Khan Sir Arrested Or Not? Bihar Police Clarifies; Legal Action To Be Taken Against 'Khan Global Studies'

The following morning, Das walked nearly four kilometres in search of mobile connectivity. After finally finding a network, he contacted emergency services by dialling 112. Acting on his request, the Belagavi police control room informed the Khanapur police, who used GPS coordinates and assistance from local villagers to locate and rescue the stranded family.

Khanapur police inspector Manjunath Nayak confirmed the rescue operation and noted that the forest is home to diverse wildlife, including bears. He also mentioned a recent incident in which a bear attack left a farmer seriously injured.

ALSO READ: BPSC Protest: Khan Sir Detained For Joining Protesting Students, Released Later From Patna's Gardanibagh Police Station

In late November, the Google Maps came under scrutiny after three men tragically died when their car drove off an incomplete bridge while following directions from the app. Earlier, in August 2024, a user named Ashish Kacholia missed a flight due to incorrect time predictions from Google Maps, leading to a three-hour journey instead of the estimated one hour and 45 minutes.