Bengaluru: Two more bodies were recovered on Thursday during the search and rescue operations in Shirur village in Uttara Kannada district, where a massive landslide claimed lives of six people two days ago, officials said.

Vehicular traffic has been temporarily suspended on National Highway 66, where the incident occurred on Tuesday, they said.

After an intensive rescue and search operation by the local police, a team of National Disaster Response Force, fire and emergency services and officials of other agencies amid rains, four bodies were recovered by Tuesday evening.

"Search and rescue operations have been going on since the past two days and with the help of all agencies, we have recovered six bodies so far," said Narayana M, Superintendent of Police (Karwar).

Among the four dead were members of the same family, who ran an eatery along the national highway.

They have been identified as 47-year-old Lakshman Naik, his 36-year-old wife Shanti Naik and their children Roshan (11), Avantika (6).

The two other deceased has been identified as drivers.

According to the officials, seven people were feared dead. Out of which, the bodies of six people have been recovered so far. Search operations will continue until all the bodies are recovered.

Following the incident, the state government had said that three gas tankers had pulled up at the eatery for a tea break when mud and rocks plunged down the hill.

The landslip triggered by incessant rains also swept away two of the three tankers into the Gangavali river flowing on the other side of the road.

According to the state government, the National Highways Authority of India, while building National Highway 66 "cut the hill steep instead of a 45-degree slope, resulting in the accident".

Meanwhile, vehicular movement has been banned till July 22 in Seethalayanagiri-Mullayanagiri area of Chikkamagaluru taluk due to the collapse of hills and severe damage to the road surface owing to heavy rains.

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Bhatkal: In a heartfelt tribute to SM Syed Khalil, popularly known as C.A. Khalil, five prominent organizations of Bhatkal came together for a joint condolence meeting at Jamia Masjid on Friday night. Khalil, a renowned NRI businessman and respected social and religious leader, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the community.

The event was organized under the joint auspices of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Bhatkal, Jamia Islamia, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, and Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem. Several dignitaries spoke about Khalil’s life, his contributions to society, and his immense impact on education and public service.

Maulana Khaja Mohiuddin Akrami Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat, described Khalil as a man of deep faith and integrity. “He carried out every task in his life with religious consciousness and immense belief in God,” he said.

Maulana Abdul Rab Khateeb Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, highlighted Khalil’s selflessness, saying, “His simplicity and the great services he rendered without any expectation of reward are an example for all of us.”

Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi, Khateeb and Imam of Jamia Masjid, emphasized Khalil’s dedication to public service. “He devoted his property, wealth, and personality entirely for the welfare of society. His life was a shining example of commitment to community service,” he remarked.

Speaking on behalf of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Education Society, Vice President Muhammad Sadiq Pillor lauded Khalil’s contributions to education. “His efforts, especially in promoting girls’ education, are invaluable. He extended his services beyond Uttara Kannada to various parts of the country,” he said.

Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, reflected on Khalil’s efforts to secure political representation for the Muslim community. “He worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with national and state leaders, paving the way for the progress of Bhatkal,” he said.

The meeting also saw participation from Khalifa Jamaat Deputy Qazi Maulana Aiman Nadvi, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Deputy Qazi Abdul Ahad Farkade Nadvi, Zubair Kola, and SM Arshad of Mohtisham Complexes Pvt. Ltd., among others. Each expressed their grief and admiration for Khalil’s contributions.

At the conclusion of the event, the five central organizations jointly passed a condolence resolution, emphasizing that Khalil’s passing was an irreparable loss not only to Bhatkal but also to the Muslim community across India.

“The void left by CA Khalil, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the nation, will be hard to fill,” the resolution noted.

The program was conducted by Abdul Raqeeb M.J., General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem.