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Police probing Bengaluru techie Advait Upadhyay’s disappearance found alleged AI searches about how long it could take to die after falling from Shivagange Hill.
Police and rescue teams continue searching Shivagange Hills for missing tech professional Advait Upadhyay. (Photo: Social Media)
Police investigating the disappearance of 31-year-old Bengaluru-based tech professional Advait Upadhyay are examining a possible suicide angle after allegedly finding searches on his laptop about the consequences of falling from Shivagange Hill, including how long it could take to die.
Upadhyay, a native of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, went missing after travelling to Shivagange in Nelamangala taluk of Bengaluru Rural district for trekking on August 7.
A major search operation has been underway to trace him, with police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire and emergency personnel and others scouring the difficult terrain.
What Police Found On His Laptop
According to an IANS report citing police sources, investigators recovered a laptop from Upadhyay’s residence and accessed it as part of the probe.
Police allegedly found that Upadhyay had used an AI tool to search for information about the time it would take to die if he fell from Shivagange Hill.
Investigators also reportedly found searches related to the height of the hill and the possible consequences of a fall.
According to the police sources cited by IANS, an AI-generated response allegedly suggested that a person falling from the hill at around 7.30 am could potentially die.
These searches, along with other evidence gathered during the investigation, have led police to examine the possibility that Upadhyay may have planned to take his own life.
Police have, however, not confirmed that Upadhyay died and are continuing efforts to locate him.
Police Suspect He May Have Reached Shivagange Earlier
Investigators are also examining Upadhyay’s movements before his disappearance.
According to IANS, police suspect that he may have travelled to Shivagange on August 4 itself, three days before his reported trekking trip on August 7.
On August 7, Upadhyay reportedly started trekking at Shivagange.
Soon after starting the trek, he sent a photograph to the woman to whom he was engaged.
He subsequently became unreachable.
Police have also obtained a photograph taken by another tourist that reportedly shows Upadhyay at the hilltop.
Investigators were examining the photograph along with other available evidence to establish his movements before he went missing.
Search Operation Continues At Shivagange Hills
The search for Upadhyay entered its fifth day on Tuesday, with nearly 100 personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, forest department and police involved in the operation.
The search teams were using drones to scan inaccessible portions of Shivagange Hills, including narrow, deep and steep sections where a person could potentially have fallen or become trapped.
The operation took a significant turn after high-resolution drones reportedly captured what appeared to be a body trapped amid dense vegetation near the base of Shantala Drop, one of the steepest and most challenging sections of Shivagange, The Times of India reported.
However, the suspected body has not been identified or confirmed to be Upadhyay.
Persistent rain, slippery rocks and the treacherous terrain have prevented rescue personnel from reaching the location to verify the drone sighting.
CCTV, Phone And Other Evidence Under Probe
Police had earlier examined CCTV footage that showed Upadhyay climbing the hills, but there was no further confirmed update about his whereabouts. His mobile phone was found to be switched off.
Upadhyay, who was residing in Bengaluru’s Kadugodi area and worked for a finance firm in Whitefield, had reportedly informed his fiancée about his trekking plan.
He had also hired a motorcycle and reached the hill around 6.30 am on August 7, according to PTI.
His rented motorcycle was parked at the foothills before he proceeded uphill.
His family had also suspected that he could have been kidnapped or harmed by robbers as he was trekking alone.
A senior police officer, as quoted by PTI, said: “An extensive search operation continues, and further investigation is underway. We are looking into all angles.”
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
August 11, 2026, 12:55 IST
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