Shirur: As calls intensify to resume the search for Kozhikode native Arjun, who went missing in a landslide at Shirur in Ankola, Karnataka, a decomposed body of a man has been found in the sea. Underwater search expert Eshwar Malpe reported that the body was discovered floating near Honnavar beach by fishermen, who alerted the police. A fishing net was found stuck on the leg of the body. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the body belongs to a landslide victim or a migrant worker who recently went missing at sea.
The body was located 25 km from the landslide-affected National Highway 66. Despite a 13-day search for Arjun, a truck driver who disappeared after a massive landslide on July 16, no clues have been found. The search was suspended due to bad weather, and it is suspected that Arjun may be trapped in his truck buried under the landslide debris.
Arjun’s brother-in-law Jithin expressed frustration, stating that the Karnataka government has not officially resumed the search. DNA from Arjun’s brother, Abhijith, is already with authorities for comparison. On Monday, the Karnataka High Court ordered the district authority to resume the search for Arjun, following a plea. Additionally, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited Arjun’s family and promised action to find him.