Kozhikode: “I am a person who approaches things a bit emotionally. If I have done anything wrong, I apologise to Arjun’s family,” said Manaf, the owner of the lorry driven by Arjun, who was killed in the Shirur landslide. While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Manaf said that whatever he has done was with good intentions, and the current controversy only tarnishes one of the greatest rescue operations witnessed in the country. “We should not take the sheen off that great effort,” he said.

“The controversy should end here as it is unnecessary. I am an emotional person and approach things emotionally. I have not collected funds in the name of Arjun; anyone can check it. I have not tried to exploit Arjun’s death for personal gain, either. I have no need for that. I have always stood by Arjun’s family. This current controversy is arising from silly matters. It should end today,” said Manaf.

“I created the YouTube channel for Arjun only. Since the retrieval of Arjun’s body, I have not used that channel,” he added.

Manaf’s brother, Mubeen, was also present during the press conference. Although he is the legal owner of the lorry, Mubeen explained that he conducts business with his elder brother as a partner. On Wednesday, Arjun’s family held a press conference, raising allegations against Manaf, claiming that he was spreading lies and using Arjun’s death as a tool for media attention.