Over a month after 34-year-old Sandeep S, a marketing manager from Kozhikode, went missing during a solo bike trip to Shivamogga in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district, he has been traced in Mumbai, confirmed local police. According to reports, Sandeep was found along with his girlfriend at a lodge in Mumbai by the investigating team.

It was earlier believed that Sandeep had died after drowning in a river.

On November 24, Sandeep had left for Chikkamagaluru on his bike - a UM Renegade. The police found his bike, watch, wallet and towel at the top of a bridge near the Tunga river in NR Pura, a place close to Sringeri, indicating that he had perhaps drowned after taking a dip in the river.

"Sandeep's bike - a UM Renegade - was found neatly parked on top of the Tunga bridge above the river in Nagalapura, Koppa. There were no signs of struggle or theft. We found his bag with ID and documents inside them," the police had said.

A joint search operation was launched with the Nalallam police in Kozhikode and the Karnataka police.

Sandeep’s colleague at Ibird advertising had earlier told TNM that Sandeep had left for Karnataka on the morning of Saturday, November 24 and hit the Mysore Road at 9.45. He completed an 8-hour journey and reached Mullayangiri via the Sringeri - Shivamogga route. He called his wife, Shiji, on Sunday (November 25) after which he reportedly went missing.

"We suspect two things. Either Sandeep had gone to take a dip in the river and got washed away. Or he would have entered the forest near the river where he is either lost or encountered something dangerous," the police had said.

According to reports, a missing case had been registered against his girlfriend as well.

Sandeep has been taken into custody by the Kerala police and will be presented before a court on Friday.