BELAGAVI
A family from Bihar, on their way to Goa for a holiday, had to ensure a harrowing night in the Bhimgad forest in Karnataka's Belagavi district after relying on Google maps for directions.
Ranjit Das and his family were driving towards Goa when the navigation app suggested a route through the Shiroli and Hemmadaga areas. Unaware of the impending ordeal, they followed the instructions, which led them 7-8 kilometres deep into the dense Bhimgad forest.
With no mobile network in the area, the family reportedly found themselves stranded and unable to call for assistance. Forced to spend the night in their vehicle, they remained isolated in the unfamiliar and potentially dangerous terrain.
The next day, Das walked nearly four kilometres in search of mobile connectivity.
Finally regaining network coverage, he contacted emergency services through the helpline number, 112. Responding to his call, the local police arrived and rescued the family.
“The Belagavi police control room passed the information to the Khanapur police, who used GPS coordinates to locate the family and reach them with the help of villagers,” Khanapur police inspector Manjunath Nayak was quoted as saying.
He further mentioned that the family was fortunate to find mobile connectivity, as the forest is home to diverse wildlife, with a recent bear attack in the area leaving a farmer seriously injured.
This isn't the first time Google Maps has come under scrutiny for inaccurate information. In late November, the authorities launched an investigation into Google Maps after three men died when their car drove off an incomplete bridge while following a route suggested by the app.
The incident occurred as the group was heading to a wedding in Uttar Pradesh. Police reported that the driver, relying on Google Maps, drove the car off the bridge and into a river.
