Ankola (Karnataka): The search for Arjun, who went missing after the landslide in Uttara Kannada, reached a crucial point on the tenth day. As per the latest information, the rescue operation involving the Indian Navy divers will commence in the morning hours. 

A meeting will be held on Thursday morning to coordinate the operation. The immediate priority is to determine if Arjun is inside the Bharat Benz lorry, which lies 15 metres deep in the river and 20 metres away from the shore. Following this, the lorry will be taken out of the water and brought to the shore. 

The search efforts on Thursday will utilise the DIBODS system to locate mud-covered objects. The arrival of the machine's battery has delayed the search. The battery is set to arrive by 11.30 a.m.

Leading the search team is retired Major General Indrabalan, a Malayali, who has reached the landslide site. Indrabalan and his team are equipped with advanced technology capable of detecting objects up to 20 metres deep in soil and water.

On Wednesday, the Indian Navy’s advanced portable sonar system detected the presence of an object in the river.

Following this discovery, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that the object was a lorry, found at the bottom of the river.

Heavy rains and strong currents in the river continue to pose severe challenges to the mission. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued in the area, further complicating the search efforts.

To ensure safety and reduce interference, restrictions have been imposed, advising media personnel to stay 2 kilometres away from the landslide site.