Bengaluru: Sandeep S, a marketing manager from Kozhikode who was believed to be dead after he went missing during a solo bike trip to Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka, is traced in Mumbai.

The local police have confirmed the news, and according to reports, the 34-year-old was found along with his girlfriend, at a lodge in Mumbai by the investigating team.

Sandeep had left for Chikkamagaluru in his bike UM Renegade, on November 26. His belongings were traced by the police on top of a bridge near the Tunga river in NR Pura, a place close to Sringeri.

The Nalallam police in Kozhikode and the Karnataka police had launched a joint search operation to find Sandeep. The police had said “We suspect two things. Either Sandeep had gone to take a dip in the river and got washed away or he had entered the forest near the river where he is either lost or encountered something dangerous.”

According to Sandeep’s colleague at Ibird advertising, Sandeep had left for Karnataka on November 24. He completed an eight hour journey and reached Mullaiahnagiri via the Sringeri – Shivamogga route. He made his last call to his wife, Shiji, on November 27, after which he reportedly went missing.

The Kerala police have taken custody of Sandeep, and will present him before court on Friday, December 28. A missing case has been registered against his girlfriend as well.