Thursday's search vital: Verifying Arjun's presence in lorry

Ankola: The search for Kozhikode resident Arjun, who went missing after the landslide in Uttara Kannada, has reached a critical stage. On Thursday morning, the 10th day mission will resume. It is informed that the soil removal activities will start at 8 am.

The Bharat Benz lorry driven by Arjun has been located in the Gangavali River. The first priority is to confirm if Arjun is inside this lorry. 

Karwar SP Narayana said that the lorry is lying upside down in the river. It is reported that the truck is 15 meters deep in the river, 20 meters away from the shore.

The first step is to remove any soil that has accumulated on top of the vehicle. With the addition of a second large machine used to move the soil, this work may be completed faster. It is also indicated that the mission may start at 7 am if it is not bad weather.

A team comprising Navy divers will also engage on Thursday. The challenge for the Navy is to navigate the murky, muddy riverbed. Once the earthmoving machines remove the soil, they will enter the river.

The Army's drone-based intelligence system, which will pinpoint the location of objects covered in mud, will arrive on Thursday afternoon. It will be operational by one pm. Heavy rains and currents in the river pose a severe challenge to the mission.

Meanwhile, the district administration said that no one except the Army will be allowed to enter the place on Thursday.