Lost in the jungle: Google Maps shortcut leaves Bihar family stranded in dense Karnataka forest
With no mobile network, the family was stranded and unable to call for help
Dubai: A family from the Indian state of Bihar traveling to Goa faced a terrifying ordeal after Google Maps directed them into the dense Bheemgad forest in the southern state of Karnataka's Khanapur taluk, according to local media reports.
Stranded overnight in the forest, the group relied on emergency services to be rescued.
The incident occurred early Wednesday when Rajdas Ranjitadas, 28, his wife, and another couple followed the app’s directions onto a rugged, untarred road near Shiroli and Hemmadaga. The road ended near a stream deep inside the forest, leaving the group without a mobile network to retrace their steps. With no other option, they spent the night in their car until daylight.
On Thursday morning, the family managed to find network coverage and contacted the emergency helpline 112. “The Belagavi police control room passed the information to Khanapur police, who used GPS coordinates to locate the family and reached them with the help of villagers,” Khanapur police officer Nayak was quoted as saying to local media.
Officers travelled 31 kilometers to rescue the group, providing them with food and water before guiding them safely back to the main road.
Police noted that the family was fortunate to regain mobile connectivity in an area home to diverse wildlife, including a bear that recently attacked a local farmer. Khanapur officials also confirmed that this was not the first time travelers had been misdirected into the forest by the app.
Recurring issues with Google Maps
This incident is one of several recent cases highlighting inaccuracies in Google Maps. In recent months, there have been several incidents where the app has led people to dangerous or inaccessible routes. In one case, three people died after their vehicle plunged into a river in in Uttar Pradesh following Google Maps directions.
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In another instance, an X user, shared his experience in August 2024 when he missed a flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai due to an inaccurate time prediction. Google Maps estimated a 1-hour 45-minute travel time from HSR Layout to Kempegowda International Airport, but the journey took three hours, causing him to miss his flight.
These incidents have raised questions about the reliability of navigation apps, especially in areas with incomplete or poorly mapped roads.