Daijiworld Media Network - Shirur

Shirur, Sep 27: The Karnataka government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ?5 lakh to the family of Arjun, a Kozhikode native who tragically lost his life in a massive landslide at Ankola's Shirur.

Arjun’s mortal remains were recovered from the Gangavali river on Wednesday, and subsequent DNA testing confirmed his identity.

The government is covering the transportation costs of Arjun's remains, which are being transported from the Karwar Government Medical College Hospital to his home in Kozhikode's Kannadikkal.

Karwar MLA Satish Krishna Sail will accompany the remains and is expected to hand over the ex-gratia payment directly to Arjun's mother.

To pay their respects, a group of lorry drivers will join the ambulance procession from Pooladikunnu in Kozhikode.

According to reports, Arjun's remains were scheduled to arrive at his residence on Friday. His body will be made available for public viewing for one hour before the funeral, which will take place in the compound of his home. Dignitaries, including Ministers K P Mohammad Riyas and MP K Raghavan, are anticipated to attend the funeral service.

Arjun was one of nine victims who perished in the landslide on National Highway 66 in Ankola on July 16.

At the time of the incident, he was resting inside his truck, which was carrying timber to Kerala. The landslide swept his truck into the Gangavali river, and his remains were discovered inside the cabin during search operations on September 25, marking the 72nd day since the tragedy.