Bengaluru, 22 August (H.S.): Karnataka cadre IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar has gone missing after travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi and switching off his mobile phone, prompting police to launch a search to trace his whereabouts.

The officer reportedly became unreachable on Friday, August 21, following which a senior IAS official approached Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh and sought police intervention.

During the preliminary investigation, police traced Kumar's movements to Kempegowda International Airport. An examination of his travel records confirmed that he had boarded a flight to Delhi. However, investigators have been unable to locate him after his arrival in the national capital or establish contact with him.

Kumar's mobile phone remains switched off, and he is also reportedly not in touch with his family members. Police are examining his travel details and other available leads to determine where he is staying and why he suddenly became unreachable.

Investigators are trying to reconstruct the officer's movements after he landed in Delhi. They are also examining the circumstances that may have prompted him to switch off his phone and cut off communication.

Kumar had earlier served in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). His disappearance has attracted attention as it came shortly after the Directorate of Enforcement conducted searches linked to the commission.

However, police have not established any connection between the ED operation and Kumar's decision to travel to Delhi or remain out of contact. Officials said various possibilities were being examined and cautioned against speculation until his location and reasons for leaving were confirmed.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said on Saturday that police were searching for the officer, who was last seen at the Bengaluru airport.

No complaint has been received from his family. He was last seen at the airport. We do not know where he is currently, and a search is underway, Kharge said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman