Kasaragod, Kerala: Manjeshwar MLA AKM Ashraf has received a heartfelt letter from K. C. Sheela, the mother of Arjun, a Kozhikode lorry driver who tragically lost his life in the Shirur (Karnataka) landslide. Sheela sent the letter as an Eid gift, expressing gratitude for the MLA’s unwavering support during her family’s time of grief.

Sharing the letter on social media, the MLA called it the most valuable Eid gift he had received this festive season. The letter read:

"While praying that the family, caught in a sea of sorrow and clinging to even a ray of hope, might find relief, the Most Merciful God sent many beaked boats of support. One of the strongest among them was you. You have stood by us since that day. Obligations cannot be repaid with words. Wishing you all the best, Amma – Sheela K. C."

The tragedy occurred on July 16, 2024, when 30-year-old Arjun went missing after his lorry was swept away by a landslide on the Panvel-Kanyakumari National Highway. He was returning to Edavanna after transporting acacia logs from Belgaum when disaster struck. For 82 agonising days, his family waited for news until his remains were recovered from the Gangavali River on September 25.

Arjun, a devoted son, husband, and father, had left home with hopes of securing a better future for his family. He had planned to help with his sister’s wedding, paint their home, and support his child’s education. In his last phone call, he spoke excitedly about returning home, unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead. His remains were found inside the lorry cabin after an extensive retrieval operation using cranes. A bone fragment recovered from the vehicle was sent for medical examination, confirming the family’s worst fears. Arjun’s passing has left his loved ones and the community in mourning.