Ankola (Karnataka): Search efforts for Arjun, a resident of Kozhikode who went missing in a landslide in Shiroor, Karnataka, have resumed. Dredgers are currently deployed to search the Gangavali River, and diving expert Eshwar Malpe has discovered a piece of wood in the river, reportedly from Arjun's lorry.

On Friday evening, soil removal operations from the river took place for 15 minutes, during which a metal part from the lorry was also found. The search is concentrated in areas where signals from the IBOD drone search have been detected. Mahendra Dongre, Managing Director of the dredging company, stated that the current contract for the dredging operations is for three days. Eshwar Malpe and his team of divers are diligently searching the designated location. Arjun, along with two other victims of the landslide, remains unaccounted for.

The initial search for Arjun was called off on August 17 due to the inability to remove soil effectively. Following several days of uncertainty, plans to employ a dredger emerged, but the cost of Rs 1 crore raised concerns regarding funding. A breakthrough occurred when Arjun's family met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, resulting in a decision to resume search operations. The Karnataka government also decided to cover the expenses for the dredger rental.