Decision on search for missing Arjun likely to be made today

SHIRUR: A meeting will be held today at the Karwar Collectorate, chaired by Uttara Kannada District Collector V Laxmipriya, to determine the next steps in the search for Arjun, a native of Kozhikode, who went missing during a landslide in Karnataka. Weather-related issues are expected to be a key part of the discussion.

Authorities are weighing the deployment of a dredger from Goa to assist in the search operations. However, the final decision will depend on the water levels and flow of the Gangavali River. Heavy rains in the river's catchment area have hindered the dredger’s arrival and potential operation. A yellow alert remains in effect for North Kannada district and coastal areas of Karnataka until Wednesday, warning of continued heavy rainfall.

Arjun, who was transporting timber from Karnataka in a lorry owned by Manaf, a native of Mukkam, has been missing since July 8. His last contact with his family was on July 16. Earlier, a rope used to secure the timber on the lorry driven by Arjun was found. A search by the Indian Navy uncovered a piece resembling the cabin of a lorry. However, Manaf, the vehicle’s owner, has expressed doubts suggesting that the recovered parts are old and likely unrelated to Arjun’s vehicle.

Arjun’s wife Krishna Priya has been appointed as a junior clerk at Vengeri Service Cooperative Bank, with the order issued by the Department of Cooperation last week.