Lorry driver Arjun's family accuses vehicle owner of using their emotions for his gain
Kozhikode(Kerala), Oct 2: The family of lorry driver Arjun, who died in the Shirur landslide in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, on Wednesday accused the vehicle owner Manaf of using their emotions for his personal gain, an allegation denied by him.
Arjun's family held a press conference at their residence here and told reporters that Manaf, who was initially with them, was now using their emotions for his personal gain, including collecting funds from various sources.
They also claimed that he was characterising them as destitute which was hurtful as many of the family members have jobs.
Arjun's widow, brother-in-law, sisters and parents told TV channels that several efforts were made to get in touch with Manaf to request him to stop saying wrong things about the family on his Youtube channel, but he was ignoring them and not taking their calls.
They warned of legal measures if Manaf did not stop making statements about Arjun and seeking funds in his name.
They also said that no one should give him money in the name of Arjun as the family does not need any financial assistance.
Manaf, reacting to the accusations, said if they can prove he collected funds in Arjun's name, he was willing to be stoned to death.
The lorry owner said he started the Youtube channel when he was alone in Shirur and was making all possible efforts to ensure the search for Arjun's remains was not stopped.
"I made the Youtube channel to ensure no one forgets about him. Now I am speaking on it regarding various issues faced by me during that time. What is wrong with that," he said.
He further said that despite Arjun's family's various accusations, he still considers them as his family and will continue to treat them as such.
On September 25, after Arjun's remains were recovered along with the lorry from Gangawali river near Shirur village, Manaf had said that his efforts to get Arjun back to his family had been vindicated
He had also said that he fulfilled the promise to Arjun's family, especially his father and infant son, that he would be brought back to them.
The July 16 landslide on National Highway 66 claimed the lives of nine people, including that of Arjun.
Manaf had stayed in Karnataka for more than two months till Arjun's remains were recovered from the river.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
