On June 26, 2026, in Valook, a village about 85 km from Kozhikode, residents heard shouting and saw flashlight beams across the hills. Concern arose after two motorbikes were found near Nadapuram Mudi, suggesting adventurers might be in trouble in the forest.
Local resident Bipin Thomas recalled the tense scene as a search team formed. T. P. Pavithran, a former local leader, said the group acted recklessly by entering the forest at night. Three young men went into the woods, but when one stayed back halfway, the other two lost their way and began shouting.
A 35-member rescue team led by the Kerala Forest Department searched for the youth without clear location information.
After hours, the team found the scared and tired young man. All three adventurers were charged with trespassing under Section 27 of the Kerala Forest Act, 1961, risking up to five years in prison.
Young people are increasingly engaging in spur-of-the-moment adventures. Activities like risky stunts, unauthorized trekking, and dangerous driving have led to injuries and deaths. A recent case involved G. S. Saranya, lost in the Tadiandamol forests, who was rescued after four days.
Saranya said she hadn't trespassed, only taken a wrong turn. She advised future trekkers to be cautious. Her experience led the Karnataka Forest Department to create a Standard Operating Procedure for trekking trails.
Forest officials are concerned about unauthorized access. M. Joshil, the Kozhikode Divisional Forest Officer, noted the three riders had asked locals for directions, who should have warned them about legal restrictions. Pavithran mentioned another hill, Koranappara, where rescues have also been needed.
Kerala has trekking regulations, but they often lack formal guidelines. Muhammed Anvar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, stressed the need for a comprehensive guide to help trekkers.
The cost of rescue operations is high. In 2022, the state spent ₹78 lakh to rescue a youth named Babu, trapped while trekking in Malampuzha. His two-day ordeal used extensive government resources.
Rani B. Menon, an experienced trekker, shared her snowy trek story, emphasizing following safety rules. “These are not times to be adventurous but to follow the rule book, ” she advised.
Motorbike stunts are another dangerous trend among young riders. Biju Isaac, an enforcement officer in Ernakulam, noted that thrill-seeking often leads to serious risks. Many riders, aged 18 to 22, modify their bikes for stunts.
Callmevenom, a biker known for stunts, highlighted the need for discipline and safety. He warned against performing stunts in public areas, advocating for proper training. “Roads are not places for stunts, ” he said.
Raju Francis, Managing Director of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, emphasized responsible eco-tourism. He noted that many visitors focus on social media content rather than understanding their surroundings. “A forest is unpredictable, as is the behavior of wild animals, ” he cautioned.
Officials remind the public about potential consequences. The excitement of adventure must be matched with awareness and respect for nature and safety.
