The search for a man who went missing after attending Shambhala Music Festival near Salmo has been suspended.
South Columbia Search and Rescue said in a statement Sunday evening that it had still not found Harsha Paladugu, who was last seen July 27.
A four-day search began Aug. 4 that included over 100 search teams from Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson, Creston, Kaslo, Cranbrook, Kimberley and Grand Forks as well as RCMP helicopter and drone assistance.
The effort located Paladugu’s personal belongings, clothing, credit card and receipts, but no other information on his whereabouts.
“After careful consideration and the exhausting efforts the decision was made to suspend search efforts until further information or clues become available. This is a tough result for not only the subject’s family and friends but our searchers who have put countless hours into search efforts.”
Salmo RCMP previously said Paladugu flew from California to Vancouver on July 20 where he stayed with a friend and left the following morning by ride share en route to the annual music event that took place July 22 to 25 near Salmo.
Paladugu was last reported to have been seen July 27 sitting next to a suitcase on Highways 3 and 6, which intersect in Salmo. The suitcase has since been discovered.
RCMP said a male matching Paladugu’s description was also seen running through yards in Salmo on July 27 at 6:38 p.m., but the report hasn’t been confirmed.
Paladugu is five-foot-10 and 200 pounds. Anyone with information on Paladugu or his whereabouts is asked to contact Salmo RCMP at 250-357-2212.