Family of Missing Lorry Driver Arjun Alleges Delay in Karnataka Landslide Rescue

Arjun, a Malayalee lorry driver, has been missing since his truck was trapped in a landslide in Karnataka on July 16. His family claims rescue operations were delayed despite timely information provided to authorities. Kerala government and political figures have since expedited efforts, with advanced equipment now aiding the search.

The family of Malayalee lorry driver Arjun, missing since July 16 after his truck was caught in a massive landslide in a Karnataka village, claims a delay in the rescue operation.

His sister informed the media that Karnataka police were notified on the same day of his disappearance, with further details, including the truck's GPS location, later communicated. Yet, there remains no information about his whereabouts.

'If there is so much delay, what hope should we hold on to? If they did not have the requisite facilities, they should have sourced them,' she said.

Kerala Forest Minister A K Saseendran, who visited the family, reported that rescue operations were expedited following effective intervention from the Kerala government and prominent political parties.

'Hope it will be fruitful,' he commented.

He added that a team from Kerala including Motor Vehicle Department officials and police were at the landslide site, providing regular updates on the rescue efforts.

Advanced equipment like ground-penetrating radar and metal detectors have been deployed at the scene.

An MVD officer on site noted Karnataka officials' optimism about locating the truck by the afternoon.

Arjun's family remains hopeful as his mobile phone was still ringing, and the GPS tracker on his truck emitted a signal indicating the vehicle is under the debris.

On Friday, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan contacted Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah regarding the issue.

The family last communicated with Arjun on Monday before losing contact. Six bodies were recovered following the landslide, and National Highway 66 traffic has been suspended.

(With inputs from agencies.)