Continue rescue operations to locate Arjun: Pinarayi Vijayan tells Siddaramaiah

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to resume the search for Arjun, a lorry driver who went missing after a landslide in Shiroor.

"Wrote to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to express appreciation for the search & rescue teams' dedication in locating Arjun, who went missing in a tragic landslide in Shirur, Karnataka. As there are reports of operations stopping, we requested him to give directions to continue the rescue operations till they yield positive results," Vijayan wrote on X on Sunday.

Earlier today, expert diver Eshwar Malpe concluded the search for Arjun, along with his team. Malpe explained the challenges they faced during the search and then announced their decision to end the mission.

Malpe had earlier said that searching in the Gangavali River was extremely challenging due to poor visibility at the river bottom. He had informed the media that he was taking on the risk of diving in the river.

In the letter, Vijayan said his government appreciates the efforts taken by the teams engaged in the search-and-rescue operations to find the missing person. There have been reports that search operations have been stopped, he said, adding, "I earnestly urge you to give directions to continue the rescue operations till they yield positive results."

Vijayan also requested that the operations be continued with augmented strength and using all needed equipment.