65-year-old farmer rescued after getting lost in Belagavi forest

Officials with Hemanna Madar, 65, who had lost his way in the Hemmadga forest in Belagavi district of Karnataka, on June 12, 2026.

| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Forest officers rescued an elderly farmer who had lost his way in the Hemmadga forest near Khanapur in Belagavi district of Karnataka on June 12.Hemanna Madar, 65, had entered the forest to graze cattle on June 11. But only the animals returned home at night. Alarmed, the family members called S. S. Nadaf, Range Forest Officer. He informed Basavaraj Walad, Assistant Conservator of Forests, who ordered formation of rescue teams.Mr. Nadaf set up five teams. Personnel entered the forest from different points, and searched for nearly 10 hours. Mr. Madar was found in the morning and brought back home. The Madar family have thanked officials of the Forest Department. Published - June 12, 2026 02:19 pm IST