SHIRUR (UTTARA KANNADA): A 44-member team from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, Belagavi, has been dispatched to aid in the search and rescue operations at the landslide site in Shirur village, Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district. Their primary task is to locate missing persons, particularly Arjun, a truck driver from Kasargod who was transporting timber when the landslide struck six days ago.
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The deployment follows criticism from Kerala media over the slow pace of rescue efforts. “The Army unit has arrived and joined forces with NDRF, SDRF, and local personnel. We hope for quicker results,” said a senior district official. Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya noted that the Kerala government requested expedited rescue operations, prompting the district to seek Army assistance. “The Army will be here for four days, focusing on the debris where the truck is suspected to be buried,” she added.
The Army team will also search the Gangavalli River, where the truck might be stuck, aided by NDRF, SDRF, and district police. SP Narayan highlighted the team’s experience in rescue operations, including previous missions in Himachal Pradesh. “This team is adept at tracking sonar signals,” he said.
The Army started work immediately, splitting into two teams to hasten the search. Additionally, two more complaints were filed regarding missing persons, Jagannath Naik and Lokesh Naik, both from Shirur. Lokesh was last seen having tea at a hotel at the landslide site.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Shirur on Sunday, inspecting the damage and directing officials to provide relief to affected residents.
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