Arjun's rescue Day 12: Navy says continuing search for trucker futile

Shiroor/Karnataka: As uncertainty continues over the rescue operation for Kerala trucker Arjun, it iks learned that Karnataka government and Indian Navy, who are actively involved in the efforts, told Kerala government that further for the trucker is not going to yield desired results. The Kerala government was told the same in a review meeting held on Friday afternoon in the presence of Kerala PWD Minister Muhammad Riyaz.

Meanwhile, in Shiroor, where the truck and the driver went missing following the landslide, heavy rains in the Gangavali basin induced a strong current, which kept hampering the rescue efforts on day 12. The Karnataka authorities say that the rescue operation will be effective only when the water level drops and the underflow decreases

Despite this, Kerala minister Riyaz demanded that the search continue and that new systems be utilized.

The cabin of the lorry, where Arjun is expected to be, was also subjected to thermal scanning on Friday, but no human presence was detected. Lori's presence is yet to be confirmed. An eyewitness turning up and confirming that the spot from were the signal was received was where the lorry fell, is giving hope.

Madhyamam reported that the services of more trained divers should also be made available. The current reason for the swelling of the river is the rains in the upper river. There is also uncertainty regarding the availability of new tools for search. Plans are being made to provide a floating pontoon (raft-like device) for divers. Even if it is delivered, weather barriers have to be overcome.

There is a chance that the departure of Minister Riyaz from Shiroor will result in the search being stopped.

The search also goes for Karnataka natives Lokesh and Jagannath Naik. It is also claimed that many people have gone missing in this river.