Karwar: The body of missing lorry driver Arjun from Kerala was recovered along with his vehicle on Wednesday from a river, more than two months after a landslide in Shirur village, Uttara Kannada district, police said. The landslide, which occurred on July 16 on National Highway 66, claimed the lives of eight people. With the recovery of Arjun's body, the death toll has now risen to nine.

Authorities have stated that the identity of the human remains recovered will be confirmed through DNA testing. 

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In the wake of this tragedy, the entire state of Kerala, including numerous celebrities, has paid tribute to Arjun, expressing their support for the bereaved family. 

"We waited for 72 days, holding onto a glimmer of hope, both for ourselves and for Arjun’s family. Today, we have to say goodbye. Rest in peace, Arjun," wrote actor Mammootty on Facebook. 

"Beloved Arjun, who has become a sorrow in the hearts of all of us who prayed with hope... Tear-filled tributes for a dear brother," said Mohanlal in his condolence message. 

“At last, we got you back, only to feel the pain of death. A memory that will now turn to ashes. Dear Arjun, you will live forever in the minds of Malayalis,” shared Manju Warrier in a poignant note on social media.

The search operations, which began immediately after the landslide, were initially halted on July 28 due to adverse weather conditions, high river currents, and other challenges. However, they resumed later following a request from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah to continue the efforts to locate the lorry driver.

"The body of the missing driver from Kerala, Arjun, was recovered along with his lorry from the Gangavali River. The body was found inside the cabin of the vehicle," stated Superintendent of Police (Karwar), Narayana M, in an interview with PTI. (With inputs from Agencies)