Uncertainty continues over the search for Arjun, a Kozhikode native who went missing after a massive landslide in Shirur, Karnataka. Despite district authorities allowing underwater search expert Eshwar Malpe to resume the search in the Gangavali river, heavy rains have hampered efforts. Malpe and his team, who arrived on Sunday morning, were blocked by Karnataka police from diving into the river without expert support. Authorities emphasized the need for a barge-mounted dredger for deep-water searches.
Arjun, a truck driver, disappeared on July 16 following a landslide. Thirteen days of land and water searches have yielded no clues, leading to suspicions that Arjun might be trapped in his truck buried under river mud. Despite various devices being used, the Dakshina Kannada district authority confirmed no human presence detected in the riverbed.
Arjun’s family expressed frustration over the delays, with his brother-in-law Jithin criticizing the district authority for not granting permission to restart the search. Malpe mentioned that the water level is expected to drop due to a low tide phenomenon on every ‘Amavasi’ day, with August 3 anticipated to have lower water levels for about three hours.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan announced plans to appeal to the Congress-led Karnataka government to relaunch the search. However, adverse weather conditions and strong currents continue to impede efforts.