Sat Dec 07 09:10:35 UTC 2024: ## Bihar Family Rescued After Google Maps Leads Them into Karnataka Forest
**Belagavi, Karnataka –** A family from Bihar had a terrifying ordeal after Google Maps directions led them deep into the dense Bhimgad forest in Karnataka’s Belagavi district. Ranjit Das and his family, on their way to Goa for a holiday, followed the app’s suggested route through Shiroli and Hemmadaga on the night of December 4th. This led them 7-8 kilometers into the uncharted forest where they became stranded with no mobile network.
Forced to spend a night in their vehicle, Das trekked nearly four kilometers the following day to find mobile signal. He then contacted emergency services via the 112 helpline. The Khanapur police, using GPS coordinates provided by Das, located the family with the assistance of local villagers and rescued them.
Khanapur police inspector Manjunath Nayak highlighted the family’s fortunate escape, noting the forest’s diverse wildlife and a recent bear attack that seriously injured a farmer in the area.
This incident adds to growing concerns about the accuracy of Google Maps. The app has recently faced scrutiny following a fatal accident in Uttar Pradesh in November, where three men died after their vehicle plunged off an incomplete bridge due to incorrect directions. A separate incident in August saw a traveler miss a flight due to inaccurate travel time estimations provided by the app. The latest incident underscores the potential dangers of relying solely on navigation apps, particularly in unfamiliar and remote areas.
First Piper 