The Karnataka government is set to restart the search for Arjun, a Kozhikode resident who vanished during the massive landslide at Shirur, Ankola. Kerala MLA AKM Ashraf from Majeshwar Constituency announced that the search will resume within two days, following discussions with Karnataka Chief Secretary.
Dakshina Kannada district collector reported that the strong currents in the Gangavali River have subsided, allowing underwater search expert Eshwar Malpe to attempt a dive. Malpe had previously been blocked by police due to security concerns despite the low tide on Amavasi day.
Recently, the Karnataka High Court directed the state and central governments to continue the search for Arjun, along with two other locals missing from the landslide. The court has mandated a joint search operation by both governments. Arjun, a truck driver, went missing from the riverbank after the landslide on July 16. Despite 13 days of searching both land and water, there have been no leads. Authorities suspect he may be trapped in the truck buried under mud from the landslide. The district authority confirmed no human presence was detected in the riverbed during previous searches.