Telugu Student Missing in Alaska for Two Weeks, Search Intensifies
Two weeks have passed since 24-year-old Telugu student Hari Karasani went missing in Alaska. Authorities still have no clue about his whereabouts. Hari originally hails from Santamaaguluru in Prakasam district. He moved to Houston, Texas, to pursue his Masters degree.
Friends Plead for Urgent Search
Hari's friends and roommates are pleading with local authorities to expedite the search operation. Weather conditions in Alaska remain extremely harsh. Temperatures can drop as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. This makes the search even more critical and urgent.
Ravindra, one of Hari's friends and roommates, said they are doing everything possible to find him. "We met Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, and Governor Gregg Abbott," Ravindra told TOI. "We requested inter-state coordination in the search efforts."
Petition Gains Momentum
A petition on Change.org seeks help to find Hari Karasani. KP Sompally started the petition. "Every signature is a voice asking our leaders to act," he wrote. "Every share increases the chance that Hari will be found." By Tuesday, the petition had gathered 4,917 signatures.
Ravindra confirmed they also spoke to authorities in Alaska and federal police. They requested an intensification of the search operation and deployment of additional resources. The Indian embassy is trying to reach out to American authorities as well.
Last Known Movements
Hari was last seen on December 31 at the Aurora Denali lodge in Healy, Alaska. He was supposed to return to Houston from Alaska on January 1. However, in his last call to friends, he reportedly said he would return on January 3 or 4. He cited high air fares on January 1 as the reason for the delay.
Since that call, friends have been unable to reach him. His phone remains unreachable. Ravindra, along with other friends, lodged a missing person complaint on January 3. They are yet to hear anything from Alaska State Troopers or local police.
The search for Hari Karasani continues as friends and family hope for his safe return.
