After a lull, search ops for Arjun resumes at Shirur

Kozhikode: The search operations for Kozhikode native truck driver Arjun, who went missing after the landslide at Shirur in Karnataka on July 16, resumed on Saturday. A portion of a vehicle was recovered by Saturday evening during the search.
A metallic portion, including the steering, was dragged out of the water but there was no confirmation whether it was part of the truck that Arjun drove.Manaf, the owner of the truck that Arjun drove, said that the steering wheel is unlikely to be that of a truck. "Anyhow, the portion that was taken out is not that of Arjun's truck. There is a likelihood that other vehicles are also there," he said, adding that the tyre which was retrieved earlier could be that of another truck.
After the search, expert diver Ishwar Malpe said that he would continue the search as long as he is needed at the spot and he would restart the search on Sunday morning. He said that he was searching for the three missing persons underwater when he encountered the vehicle parts on Saturday. There are rocks, mud and wooden logs underwater, he added. Earlier, wooden logs supposedly just like the ones which were loaded on Arjun's truck were found during the search.
The dredging vessel, which was brought from Goa, has been anchored in the Gangavali river at the spot where the truck is believed to be submerged.
Arjun's sister Anju told the media that they were hopeful of finding a closure as the dredger was finally brought as per their demand. She said that the family was thankful for everyone's support. The family had reached Shirur after the search operation resumed.
Karwar MLA Satish Sail had earlier said that the dredging operation was the final effort in the search for Arjun. Karnataka govt has directed that dredging can be carried out in the river from 8am to 6pm. Arjun's family had met Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah last week, and he assured them that a dredger would be brought in for the search and his govt would bear all the expenses.