Diving expert Malpe stops search for Arjun at Shiroor

Kozhikode: The search for Kozhikode native truck driver Arjun, who went missing following a landslide at Shirur in Karnataka on July 16, continued on Sunday. However, diving expert Ishwar Malpe, who has been part of the rescue operations from the beginning, stopped his search following a disagreement with authorities.
Malpe told mediapersons that the district authorities were not cooperating, and hence he was returning.He said he did not want to continue the search by fighting with the authorities and so he was returning home. He mentioned that he did not know why the authorities were upset with him.
Malpe stated that he had on Sunday recovered wooden logs believed to be from Arjun's truck. He also mentioned that he received a call discouraging him. Additionally, during Sunday's search, he found a scooter from riverbed. He added that at least 20 wooden logs from Arjun's truck were under water. He expressed his apologies to Arjun's family for returning without fulfilling his mission. He added that he did not join it to become a hero but only to fulfil the promise he had given to Arjun's family.
The dredging vessel brought from Goa has been anchored in the Gangavali river at the spot where the truck is believed to be submerged. Karwar MLA Satish Sail said that the dredger would be used for 10 days and five expert divers were engaged in the search. The district administration is planning to intensify the search for the missing persons in the coming days.
The Karnataka govt has directed that dredging could be carried out in the river from 8am to 6pm. Arjun's family had met Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah last week, and he had assured them of a search using a dredger, with his govt bearing all expenses.