Search for Arjun; Navy denied permission mysteriously; criticism for Kerala

ANKOLA (UTTARA KANNADA): The Navy was denied permission mysteriously as the search for Arjun, who went missing in a landslide in Shirur, resumed today in the Gangavali river. The Navy had also decided to join the search in a meeting held at Karwar on Monday. The naval team had checked the current in the river that evening. However, today the district administration denied permission to the navy. That is why the naval team did not reach.

A team of fishermen along with Eshwar Malpe and teams of SDRF and NDRF searched the river. The weather was favorable today. The current and water level in the river has decreased due to a lack of rain. Eshwar Malpe said further search will be done tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Karwar MLA Satish Krishna Sail alleged that the Kerala government, which had promised to help in the search, backed down and did not deliver the dredger and pump. The MLA said that Kerala did not cooperate even though it was officially informed several times and said that the money would be paid in advance. The change of position of the MLA, who was active in the search earlier, was evident. The MLA got angry when media persons asked him why permission was not given for the Navy despite the decision of the meeting at Karwar on Monday.

Search delayed: Jithin

Arjun's brother-in-law and husband Jithin, who arrived here today, said that Karnataka delayed the search even though the weather was perfect for drowning. They said they would start the search in the morning, but no one came even by noon. The family decided to protest in Shirur if there was a delay.

"With the resumption of the search, we are hopeful about finding Arjun," said Arjun's sister Anju. "We are devastated. We need an end to the wait," she added.

Karnataka's stand is mysterious

"Arjun's relatives and we reached Shirur hoping for the Navy. When we spoke to the personal secretary of the Karnataka Chief Minister, he said that a search would be conducted within two hours. The MLA's position is painful," said MLA AKM Ashraf, who camped at the spot for 10 days. He said that the district collector did not pick up the phone despite many calls.