The search for the bodies of three missing individuals, Arjun, Jagannath, and Lokesh Nayka, continues in the aftermath of the Shiruru hill collapse in Ankola taluk. The incident, which occurred on July 16, resulted in the deaths of nine people, with their bodies recovered earlier.
On Thursday, an operation to clear soil behind the Laxman Nayaka shop revealed the foundations of the shop, a bucket, a banyan tree, and a banana plant. It is estimated that the bodies of the missing individuals may be found in the ruins of the Laxman Nayka Hotel, which was buried under mud.
Karwar Ankola Constituency MLA Satish Sail has intervened in the matter, requesting the staff to continue the operation to clear the soil and locate the missing bodies. He has asked the staff to complete the operation within a couple of days and provide a clear picture of the situation.
The landslide is believed to have been caused by the unscientific widening of National Highway 66, which led to the collapse of the hill and the subsequent tragedy. The incident highlights the need for proper planning and execution of infrastructure projects to avoid such disasters.