Karnataka Landslide: Body of 'Missing Kerala Lorry Driver Arjun Found After 72 Days', DNA Test Today To Confirm ID

On July 16, the landslide claimed the lives of eight others and with Arjun’s recovery, the death toll from the disaster has risen to nine.

At Arjun's home in Kozhikode, the news of his body’s recovery brought emotional responses from family members, neighbours, and local leaders.

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After over two months of relentless search efforts, authorities have recovered the suspected remains of Arjun, a lorry driver from Kozhikode, Kerala, who went missing following a landslide in Karnataka's Shirur. His lorry and body were discovered submerged in the Gangavali River putting an end to the search that began after the landslide on July 16. 

The mortal remains of Arjun are likely to be handed over to relatives on Friday. The DNA results of Arjun are expected within two days, according to Uttara Kannada district collector Lakshmi Priya, as reported by Mathrubhumi. 

Karnataka Landslide: Search For Arjun

In July this year, the landslide claimed the lives of eight others and with Arjun’s recovery, the death toll from the disaster has risen to nine.

On July 28, search operations were initially halted due to adverse weather and strong river currents. However, the rescue efforts were later resumed following a request from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The CM had earlier written to his Karnataka counterpart, Siddaramaiah, urging for the resumption of efforts to trace Arjun, as per PTI.

On Wednesday, after Arjun's body was found, Vijayan expressed his gratitude in a letter to Siddaramaiah, thanking him and all involved in the recovery mission. He specifically mentioned the district administration and Karnataka MLA Satish Krishna Sail for their support.

At Arjun's home in Kozhikode, the news of his body’s recovery brought emotional responses from family members, neighbors, and local leaders. CPI(M) MLA Thottathil Ravindran, who visited the family, emphasised the importance of conducting a DNA test to formally identify the remains and ensure closure for the family.

The DNA test results are now awaited to confirm the identity of the body, marking the final step in this long search.