Shiroor: Diver Eshwar Malpe has concluded his search for Arjun, the Malayali lorry driver who went missing after a landslide in the area. Malpe expressed his disappointment, citing a lack of support and misbehaviour from local administration and district police as reasons for ending the search with a heavy heart.

Malpe alleged that the SP said over phone that Malpe was not a hero to which he responded that his team's quest was not about heroism, and that he and his team undertook this mission without any financial support. He said his team mates also heard the phone conversation between him and the SP and how the official 'misbehaved' with him. 

Following this incident, he informed the authorities that there was no point in pursuing the mission any further and decided to leave.

Unfortunately, the dredger company did not offer any favorable response either, he added.

For this mission the team had a solid understanding of the search area, added Malpe. However, it faced significant challenges when individuals hindered or obstructed its plans. Malpe stated that it was time to go home and that further details would be organised later. He conveyed his apologies to Arjun's mother, and stated that only the MLA had extended support to them during this work.

Karwar MLA Satish Krishna, on the other hand, criticised Malpe, alleging that he often blames the administration to gain attention on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. “He is a very good man, but he constantly accuses the district administration of not supporting him,” Krishna stated. “As an MLA, I am present every day. He dives into the river without warning... It seems like an attempt to build a following online.”

Meanwhile, Manaf, the owner of Arjun's lorry, claimed that the Kanwar Superintendent of Police (SP) threatened him. “They told us to leave quickly. There are some secrets behind this. Many vehicles are submerged, and if that information comes out, it could be difficult for the SP and the Collector,” Manaf alleged. “They are trying to prevent it from happening.”

Manaf further stated that the SP threatened him, saying he would kill him if they did not leave soon. “I believe Eshwar Malpe has the ability to retrieve things from underwater. Let’s see what happens next. This mission has faced obstacles at various stages,” he told Mathrubhumi News, noting that he has faced significant struggles to reach this point.